It was 60 years ago that the iconic Jaguar E-Type launched. It was the middle of the Swinging Sixties and that debut in Geneva, Switzerland on March 15, 1961 would change the Jaguar story.
The vehicles shown during that debut were the Opalescent Gunmetal Grey coupe “9600 HP,” driven by publicist Bob Berry to make the launch itself, and the British Racing Green roadster “77 RW,” driven by Jaguar test driver Norman Dewis.
New E-Type 60 Collection vehicles, the first matched pair ever offered, will celebrate the debut of the vehicle. Twelve restored and sympathetically uprated 3.8-liter E-Type examples will be built and sold to six customers with each receiving one E-Type 60 Edition coupe, one E-Type 60 Edition roadster.
The cars originally debuted in Geneva, Switzerland.Photo courtesy of Jaguar
Coupe models will be finished in a Flat Out Grey paint job while the roadster gets a Drop Everything Green paint color. These color formulations are inspired by the original 1961 colors and will not be used on any other Jaguar vehicle.
In addition to the 265-horsepower 3.8-liter six-cylinder Jaguar XK engine, the car gets a new, specially developed close-ration five-speed manual gearbox. The cars also have an authentic, 1961-style alloy radiator, with electric cooling fan and electronic ignition for everyday usability, as well as a polished stainless-steel exhaust system.
The cars feature a Jaguar Classic Infotainment System with built-in satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.
Buyers will get one coupe and one roadster.Photo courtesy of Jaguar
Jaguar has given the models unique accents recalling the heritage of the brand. Each vehicle has been engraved by by artist and designer Johnny Dowell, aka “King Nerd,” on the center console of each car, recalling the drive routes from Coventry to Geneva of those original vehicles. Each piece of art takes more than 100 hours to create by hand, in consultation with the owner.
Each Smooth Black leather-trimmed coupe features a stylized route map plotting the key locations along the route taken by Bob Berry, with an overhead sketch of the E-type and the phrase, “I thought you’d never get here,” recalling the reaction of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons to the arrival of Berry just moments before the unveiling.
In addition to the center console, the hood badge, clock face within the tachometer, fuel cap and chassis plate are all finished with a commemorative E-type 60 logo created by Jaguar Design, featuring the years “1961-2021.” A light beech-rimmed steering wheel, as fitted to 1961 vehicles, features a 24-carat gold horn button. Each vehicle is supplied with a tailor-made E-type 60 car cover, tool roll and jack storage bags to complete the enhancements and exemplify the attention to detail lavished on each vehicle.
The two jaguar models are some of the most beloved in automotive history.Photo courtesy of Jaguar
In Summer 2022, the six customers and their guests will take part in the ultimate E-type pilgrimage: a Coventry-to-Geneva drive experience with their vehicles to create their own E-type memories, enjoying breath-taking scenery, epic roads – including iconic Alpine passes – exclusive stays and fine cuisine throughout the trip.
