Pretoria, South Africa – 23 October 2024: Fifty years since the last Jaguar E-type rolled off the production line, two rarefied Series I Jaguar Classic E-type Commemorative models have been exclusively created for a loyal, discerning client in Southeast Asia to celebrate the iconic sports car.
Each example carries references to key moments from E-type history, from the blueprint of its inception to the last Series III models. Celebrating the style and sophistication of the original with new, precious details, the two beautiful vehicles are the finest examples of Works Bespoke creations by Jaguar Classic.
The pair of Jaguar Classic E-type Commemorative creations bring the E-type story full circle, inspired by the final 50 Commemorative Editions from 1974 – and they will be the only two examples ever to leave the Jaguar Classic workshop.
The Jaguar Classic E-type Commemorative vehicles are the ultimate expression of E-type, with a unique handbuilt specification making each one a truly individual collectors’ item. Every detail – inside and out – receives the careful attention of the dedicated Jaguar Classic experts, with upgrades meticulously orchestrated over more than 2,000 hours.
Lennard Hoornick, Chief Commerical Officer, JLR, said: “With E-type Commemorative, our Classic team set out to improve on an already near-perfect design. As the original creators of E-type, we are uniquely positioned to subtly integrate both aesthetic and engineering enhancements borne out of decades of knowledge, skill and passion. The unique specification and our collaboration with renowned jewellers Deakin & Francis has resulted in a machine as close to driveable precious metal as it is possible to conceive.”
Timelessly crafted with unparalleled finishes
The two Jaguar Classic E-type Commemorative vehicles are both drophead coupes, in one-of-one specifications. One is finished in Signet Green, while the other is Opal Black – both updates of original colour schemes from 1974.
The elegant exterior is matched by a timeless interior, featuring Bridge of Weir tan leather seats hand-woven and stitched in the Jaguar Classic trim shop – with matching black and tan leather trim. This uniquely tactile woven finish has never been made available at Jaguar Classic before and blends traditional skills and design inspiration with a contemporary aesthetic.
Bespoke elements adorn the interior, with an anodised aluminium centre console bearing a unique engraving of a genuine early Series I E-type blueprint sourced from within the archives. The blueprint was previously displayed alongside E-type at the New York Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), with the anodised aluminium centre console becoming a hallmark of each E-type produced at Jaguar Classic.
Custom jewellery
Setting the Jaguar Classic E-type Commemorative vehicles apart is jewellery adorning the interior and exterior of each model by Deakin & Francis. England’s oldest manufacturing jeweller has been crafting masterpieces over seven generations, since its inception in 1786.
A collaboration of passionate craftspeople bridging local industries, each E-type Commemorative is adorned with mother of pearl, hallmarked solid silver and 18ct gold details.
In the same spirit as Jaguar Classic, the renowned silversmiths live and breathe their time-honoured craft, working locally to exacting standards in nearby Birmingham’s legendary Jewellery Quarter.
At the front, the motif bar badge is finished in silver with guilloche mother of pearl and an 18ct gold Growler icon, while at the rear, badges are enamelled sterling silver.
Inside, the steering wheel horn push is finished in silver with an 18ct Growler badge and mother of pearl inlay, while a sterling silver gear knob with mother of pearl and 18ct gold Growler detail provides decadent tactility.
Henry Deakin, Managing Director, Deakin & Francis, said: “Deakin & Francis is proud to be a part of this inspiring collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover Classic, bringing together two of Britain’s most iconic heritage brands.
Such a partnership reinforces each brand’s complete commitment to superior quality and celebrates a shared passion for pushing boundaries in design and craftsmanship, while offering our discerning customers a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Techniques honed by Deakin & Francis, which have never been seen before in the automotive world, have been seamlessly integrated into these incredibly rare vehicles. Together we have created two extraordinary classics that blend the artistry of Deakin & Francis, with the expertise of Jaguar Land Rover Classic.”
The exquisite detailing extends to the instrument panel switches, which are finished in knurled silver with a hallmarked silver bezel. This attention to detail extends to the key cover, which is finished in silver with matching mother of pearl and 18ct gold.
Technical specification
Under the elegant bonnet of each E-type Commemorative is the famous 3.8-litre engine, now with Electronic Fuel Injection and a Jaguar Classic five-speed manual gearbox. This combination delivers the perfect blend of driving engagement and everyday usability.
Making the vehicles even more suited to use in the 21st century, they are fitted with a discreet Jaguar Classic Bluetooth radio and heated windscreen, providing modern comforts while retaining all the character and authenticity of an E-type interior.
Black Walnut
A professor in South Africa is teaching her students how to form Emglish sentences.
“Attention class I have two words: Cheetah, and dandelion. Can anybody use these together in a sentence?”
One student raises their hand,
“The cheetah is faster dandelion.”
Sun Washer
Boerewors — spicy South African sausage [boor-uh-vors] Meaning ‘farmer’s sausage’, this term describes a savory sausage that was developed by the Afrikaners approximately 200 years ago. Boerewors is usually ‘braaied’ and eaten on a hot dog roll with tomato sauce and mustard. Make sure you roll the ‘r’ when pronouncing this word.