Jaguar Classic is celebrating the race winning pedigree of the iconic E-type by producing seven exclusive pairs of E-type ZP Collection vehicles. These new luxury collectibles honour the first E-types in competition, which were produced under the project name “ZP”. Only months after the E-type’s introduction in 1961, these lightly modified racing E-types designed by Jaguar celebrated their first victories.

Each pair of E-type ZP Collection vehicles includes a drophead coupe and a fixed head coupe finished in liveries inspired by those original race winning cars and comprehensively restored by the experts at Jaguar Classic Works in Coventry.

The two inspiration cars are typically referred to by their registration numbers, ‘ECD 400’ and ‘BUY 1’, and were driven by Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori respectively in the 1960s. The E-type ZP Collection feature thoughtful details commemorating the E-type’s racing heritage as well as engineering upgrades and enhancements to make them more usable for customers.

Paul Barritt, Director of Jaguar Classic, said: “The E-type ZP Collection is the ultimate tribute to the E-type’s triumphant racing debut, in itself part of Jaguar’s rich motorsport history. Each pair tells a fascinating, and often untold, story of the E-type’s history. The ZP Collection honours not only the vehicles, but the racers who drove them to victory on the track. With 2,000 hours lovingly spent on each vehicle by the craftspeople at Jaguar Classic, our discerning clients will be able to enjoy a unique tribute to two of the greatest cars in the E-type’s history.”

Later in 2023, Jaguar’s SV Bespoke personalisation team will unveil a limited-edition production run of matching F-TYPE ZP Editions inspired by the E-type ZP Collection. Fourteen of these final 5.0-litre supercharged V8 Jaguar sports cars will be reserved for E-type ZP Collection clients, creating an unrepeatable celebratory quartet. From 2025, Jaguar will proudly become a pure electric modern luxury brand, starting an exciting new chapter for the brand founded by Sir William Lyons in 1935.

The exclusive vehicles from Jaguar Classic celebrate an important E-type story and take their name from seven early examples, which were transformed into competition cars. They made their racing debut in April 1961, just a month after the production E-type made its triumphant world debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

The first of the pair honours Graham Hill’s Indigo Blue E-type drophead coupe. Finished in Oulton Blue – inspired by the original colour of ‘ECD 400’ – it features a black hood and a range of exterior details that pays homage to Hill’s race-winning vehicle.

Each vehicle comes with a period helmet to match those worn by Hill and Salvadori in the period. They are exquisitely crafted by British expert Bill Vero of Everoak, who has been manufacturing helmets since the 1950s. The authentic and faithful reproductions are a beautiful display piece that can be worn, and hand adjusted for each client.

The ZP Collection is based on the specification of 3.8-litre Series 1 E-types produced between 1961-1964. The 265bhp 3.8-litre engine features 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. It effortlessly blends original authenticity with modern usability and reliability.