Roofless Restoration Creates One-Off E-Type Speedster

Less is more. That’s the thinking behind the latest restomod from E-Type UK, whose paired back approach has resulted in a unique Jaguar speedster.

During the 3500-hour bare-metal restoration the bodywork was de-seamed and all almost all chrome removed, including the bumpers and door handles. A discreetly hidden electronic switch now opens the doors, or if the new owner is nimble he or she could perhaps vault over instead.

Only the windscreen surround and wire wheels remain in chrome and there are custom headlight covers to complete the minimalist aesthetic.

Having removed the original canvas top it was never re-fitted as the car’s owner only intends to use it in warm weather, and the space behind the front seats has been repurposed for storage and a spot for the customer’s pets to join the journey without damaging the diamond-quilted leather seats. The rich red upholstery contrasts with opalescent gunmetal paintwork which took more than 400 hours to perfect.

Under the E-Type’s iconic hood sits a fully-rebuilt 3.8-liter straight six, with high-lift cams, new bearings, bronze valve guides, uprated valves, a ported head, a balanced crank and lightened flywheel. Triple SU carbs deliver the fuel, plus there’s electronic ignition, new starter motor and alternator. As it is set to live a life of luxury in a tropical location the cooling system has been updated as well.

Meanwhile, the transmission has been swapped out for a new five-speed manual, and there’s adjustable suspension and high-performance brakes to ensure the upgraded E-Type is more eager in the bends and stops as well as it goes.

Only recently Jaguar Classic revealed a pair of bejewelled E-Types for another wealthy collector, but which look do you prefer?