One can point to a hundred things that have made the E-Type Jaguar a success from the moment it appeared: a list price that originally undercut competition from Aston Martin and Ferrari by half; performance years ahead of its time; looks that landed it in museums; and a legend that endures to the present day. But many other cars can also offer this sort of metaphorical timelessness. The Jaguar, however, also offers a concrete, mechanical appeal that has made it not just wonderful to see, but also relevant on the road today.

Chassis number 1E 76624 began as a very original, unmolested, California black plate car before a recent comprehensive restoration was undertaken and completed in early 2014 by noted marque specialists. The restoration process is properly documented by a comprehensive DVD, and in addition to the requisite restoration of mechanical components back to factory specifications, it has been attended to with the fine details and craftsmanship that one will admire.

During the restoration process, this XKE was disassembled, stripped, and the body was metal finished and properly fitted with body parts and new components. It then received a complete repaint and was wet-sanded and buffed to the deep luster seen today. All of the body parts were removed from the car and painted separately, and the engine and transmission have benefitted from a complete rebuild. Included in the restoration process was a thorough sorting of all systems, as well as a complete refurbishment of all major and minor electrical and mechanical subsystems. The upholstery was completely trimmed in all the proper materials. The seats were restored and redressed in the correct red leather. All new panels were created and reupholstered, as well as the headliner and sun visors, and the carpet was fitted and trimmed when installed. All brightwork was re-plated, as needed. With the completion of this beautiful interior, it has achieved a striking and proper look.

With only a handful of miles since, a new caretaker will have the enviable experience of taking delivery of what is, in all respects, a brand-new Jaguar E-Type that comes equipped with wire wheels, redline tires, and a pushbutton AM radio.

This Jaguar offers all the performance of any other E-Type, but it also has the added convenience and comfort that comes with an additional nine inches of wheelbase and fold-down rear seats. As a weekend getaway car, it is without equal. As one writer once said, “There’s simply no modern comparison.”