- The British brand sells 30 replacement body panels for the iconic E-Type.
- These Jaguar Classic parts include a two-year warranty in the UK and Europe.
- Programs like this will ensure some of the auto industry’s legends stick around.
At a time when Jaguar is steering into a daring, if somewhat divisive, reinvention of its identity, there’s at least one piece of good news for those who still care about the brand’s history. Late last year Jaguar launched a controversial marketing campaign as a first step to its reinvention, and it rubbed many purists and brand loyalists the wrong way. However, the British brand hasn’t completely forgotten about its past.
Jaguar has just announced an expanded range of new-old parts now available for the iconic E-Type. The new selection, available through Jaguar Classic, is aimed at helping owners keep these classic machines on the road.
Read: Jaguar Just Built Two New E-Types, 50 Years After Production Ended
The Coventry-based brand that’s owned by Tata Motors has been offering parts for the E-Type for quite some time, but there are now many more available. These include front cross-member assemblies, front frame assemblies, floor panels, and outer sills. Jaguar has aimed to stick true to the original E-Type, too, and used the same Reynolds tubing method for the front frame assembly that was utilized when the E-Type was in production.
Elsewhere, there are more than 30 new body panels available for what many consider the most beautiful car ever designed. We think that may have been true at the time, and after all none other than Enzo Ferrari himself called it exactly that. However, we don’t necessarily agree with this statement – his brand’s 250 GTO is, to our eyes, the better-looking (and massively more expensive and rare) car. Sure, Enzo called it as he saw it, but even though we don’t dare proclaim that our opinion matters as much as the late Ferrari founder’s (it would be extremely arrogant on our part), yet each is entitled to their own.
Back to the parts, though. They all include a two-year warranty in the UK and Europe or one year in overseas markets. There are also new doors, bonnets, linings, and interior trims that can be ordered through Jaguar Classic, who also sells replacement engines, transmissions, and exhaust components.
To ensure all of they fit perfectly, Jaguar’s engineers used original drawings with modern-day 3D CAD modelling. New parts were then scanned alongside originals to certify they are identical, allowing them to be easily installed by owners.
Jaguar Classic E-Type
Keeping Classics Alive
Jaguar is embarking on a brave brand transformation that will see it producing and selling nothing but high-end, luxurious electric vehicles. However, it’s reassuring to see it still investing in keeping some of its most historic models on the road, ensuring that legendary classics like the E-Type will become familiar to even younger generations growing up in the EV era.
More: A Ferrari 250 GTO / 330 LM Just Sold For An Astonishing $51.7 Million
Of course, Jaguar didn’t reinvent the wheel – other manufacturers already offered direct factory support for their historic models. For example, Aston Martin sells new engine blocks and gearboxes for some of its classic cars, and Nissan offers full restorations of classic Skylines.
“Introducing these parts is a significant development for owners of the iconic E-type,” Jaguar Classic director Dominic Elms said. “They can have complete confidence the parts will be fully compatible with their vehicle, but also the reassurance of knowing they come direct from the original manufacturer.
“Every item is subject to the highest possible levels of scrutiny, with a range of quality assurance processes employed across Jaguar Classic ensuring these parts and others allow E-types all over the world to continue being driven and enjoyed for decades to come.”
