The automotive world has witnessed countless icons, but few have left an indelible mark quite like the Jaguar E-Type. First unveiled in 1961, its sensuous curves and blistering performance redefined sports car design, earning praise from none other than Enzo Ferrari, who called it “the most beautiful car ever made.” Now, six decades later, Jaguar has resurrected this legend with the E-Type ZP Collection, a meticulously crafted series of restored and reimagined models that blend classic aesthetics with cutting-edge engineering.
A Nod to History with a Vision for the Future
The ZP Collection pays homage to the original E-Type’s legacy while incorporating modern enhancements that elevate its performance and reliability. Each car in this exclusive series is based on a carefully selected original E-Type, restored to pristine condition by Jaguar Classic, the brand’s in-house division dedicated to preserving and revitalizing heritage models.
What sets the ZP Collection apart is its fusion of authenticity and innovation. While the exterior remains faithful to Malcolm Sayer’s iconic design, subtle refinements—such as upgraded brakes, suspension, and an optional electric powertrain conversion—ensure that these cars are not just museum pieces but thrilling drivers’ machines for the 21st century.
The Art of Restoration: Where Craftsmanship Meets Precision
Jaguar Classic’s restoration process is nothing short of extraordinary. Every E-Type destined for the ZP Collection undergoes a painstaking, nut-and-bolt refurbishment. Original components are either restored to factory specifications or replaced with exacting reproductions, ensuring authenticity down to the smallest detail.
The bodywork, hand-formed using traditional techniques, retains the E-Type’s signature silhouette, while modern paint technologies provide a flawless finish in classic Jaguar hues. Inside, the cabin is a masterclass in luxury, with Connolly leather, Wilton wool carpets, and meticulously refinished wood veneers—each element crafted to mirror the car’s original grandeur.
Electrifying the Legend: The E-Type Reborn
Perhaps the most groundbreaking aspect of the ZP Collection is the option for a fully electric powertrain. Dubbed the E-Type Zero, this variant replaces the original inline-six engine with a state-of-the-art electric motor producing 295 lb-ft of torque and a 0-60 mph time of just 5.5 seconds—matching the performance of the original while offering silent, emissions-free driving.
The conversion is reversible, meaning owners can switch back to the combustion engine if desired, preserving the car’s originality. With a 220-mile range and support for fast charging, the E-Type Zero proves that sustainability and classic car enthusiasm need not be mutually exclusive.
Limited Availability, Lasting Legacy
The ZP Collection is strictly limited, with only a handful of models available worldwide. Each car is accompanied by extensive documentation, including a detailed history of its restoration and certification from Jaguar Classic. Prices start at £350,000 (approximately $450,000) for a fully restored petrol model, while the E-Type Zero conversion commands a premium, reflecting its bespoke engineering.
For collectors, the appeal is undeniable. The E-Type has long been a darling of auctions, with pristine examples fetching millions. The ZP Collection not only preserves these cars for future generations but enhances their usability, ensuring they remain on the road rather than behind glass.
Driving the Dream: What Makes the E-Type ZP Special
Behind the wheel, the ZP Collection delivers an experience that few modern cars can replicate. The steering is delightfully tactile, the gearbox (in petrol models) a mechanical joy, and the exhaust note—a sonorous growl in the original—now complemented by the whisper-quiet hum of electric power in the Zero variant.
Whether cruising along coastal roads or gracing concours events, the E-Type ZP Collection commands attention. It’s a car that bridges eras, offering the romance of 1960s motoring with the dependability of contemporary engineering.
A Fitting Tribute to an Automotive Masterpiece
The Jaguar E-Type ZP Collection is more than just a restoration project—it’s a celebration of one of the greatest cars ever built. By honoring its past while embracing the future, Jaguar has ensured that the E-Type’s legacy endures for decades to come. For those fortunate enough to acquire one, it represents the pinnacle of classic car ownership: timeless beauty, unmatched craftsmanship, and the thrill of driving a legend, redefined.
As the automotive industry marches toward electrification and automation, the ZP Collection stands as a reminder that some icons are too magnificent to fade away. They evolve, they inspire, and above all, they continue to captivate—just as the E-Type did in 1961, and just as it will for generations to come.
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