Jaguar Revives E-Type with New Factory Parts as Brand Pivots Toward EV Future
By Team Dailyrevs April 16, 2025
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Jaguar is reviving the E-Type’s legacy by producing new factory-built parts for Series 1, 2, and 3 models under its Jaguar Classic division.
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The initiative aligns with shifting brand priorities as Jaguar transitions toward a fully electric future by 2025.
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This move is more than nostalgia — it’s a calculated play to maintain relevance, satisfy enthusiasts, and open new business revenue streams amidst global tariff pressures and EV pivots.
The E-Type Returns — Without Ever Leaving
As carmakers chase the electric future with varying levels of panic, Jaguar has paused for breath—and taken a deliberate step back in time. But not in denial. In strategy.
Rather than just wax poetic about the past, Jaguar has started manufacturing new body panels for its most iconic car: the E-Type. That’s right. Thanks to original 1960s blueprints and modern CAD scanning, Jaguar Classic is putting fresh metal into the hands of restorers and collectors worldwide.
It’s not just about keeping a few vintage cars on the road. It’s about future-proofing a legacy—and if done right, turning nostalgia into sustainable business.
Not a Gimmick — It’s a Business Model
While the headlines may shout “Jaguar brings back the E-Type,” this isn’t a retro one-off. Jaguar Classic is scaling up production of panels for Series 1, 2, and 3 E-Types, using both modern materials and factory-authentic processes.
Here's a quick breakdown of what's being offered:
Component | Details |
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Front sub-assembly | Includes front frames, bonnet, and bulkhead panels |
Floor Panels & Sills | Built from mild steel, treated with eCoat to resist corrosion |
Crossmembers | Direct-fit replacements using original tooling specs |
Warranty | One-year manufacturer warranty for peace of mind |
Design Source | Derived from original engineering drawings and 3D scanning tech |
Why This Matters Right Now
The timing isn’t random. Jaguar plans to go fully electric by 2025, with luxury EVs aimed at rivalling Bentley. But it also knows it can't afford to alienate its enthusiast base—the very people who built its brand identity.
Add to that the turbulence caused by US tariffs on Chinese-manufactured goods (Jaguar's parent company is Tata Motors, based in India, but global supply chains are increasingly entangled), and you begin to see the bigger picture: Jaguar is hedging. While it figures out EV volume and pricing, heritage keeps the brand active, emotional, and revenue-generating.
Satirically, Top Gear even joked that the move was designed to “calm a worried nation” rocked by the impact of U.S. tariffs—underscoring how even jokes are often rooted in sharp truths.
Heritage Reimagined — With a Hint of Modernity
Jaguar Classic isn’t stopping at structural parts. Its Reborn and Commemorative Edition programs offer fully restored or “restomod” E-Types, built with attention to period detail—but with subtle modern upgrades like:
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Electronic fuel injection
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Five-speed gearboxes
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Heated windscreens
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Bluetooth-compatible radios
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Bridge of Weir leather interiors
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Bespoke jewelry-grade rotary switches from Deakin & Francis
This blend of form, function, and flair is what separates Jaguar’s strategy from being just a museum piece.
The Bigger Picture: A Clever Pivot
Let’s not over-romanticize it. Jaguar needs this. While luxury automakers like Mercedes and BMW pump billions into electric R&D and global logistics, Jaguar is buying time with legacy.
But it’s not a stall. It’s an asset play. The E-Type isn’t just iconic—it’s monetizable. This project injects purpose into the Classic division and ensures Jaguar stays in the enthusiast conversation.
In today’s car culture, relevance is currency. A vintage icon with a VIN is a valuable thing. A vintage icon with new, factory-built panels? That’s a rolling stock certificate.
Where to See It
If you're wondering what this all looks like in the flesh—or want to see the kind of builds Jaguar Classic is supporting—you can check out detailed images of the E-Type here.