The automotive world has no shortage of sacred cows, but the Jaguar E-Type might be its holiest. That hasn’t stopped Ian Callum-the design visionary behind the Aston Martin DB7, Vanquish, and Jaguar F-Type-from reimagining this icon for his independent design firm’s “Portfolio Project”(external).
If you’ve grown tired of driving experiences that feel like swiping through TikTok’s endless scroll, Callum’s E-Type concept offers sweet relief. The matte grey exterior maintains the flowing silhouette while introducing modern elements: flush door handles, LED lighting, and 19-inch dished tri-spoke alloys with a 45mm negative offset that fill those subtly widened arches.
Analog Glory in a Digital Desert
Night visibility just got better with discreet LED lighting that doesn’t require installing the Las Vegas strip across the dashboard. The cockpit blends heritage with restrained modernity-red Bridge of Weir leather wraps around a cabin featuring a machined aluminum shifter for the five-speed manual transmission and toggle switches that deliver satisfying tactile feedback missing from today’s capacitive controls.
Unlike modern restomods that overcompensate with 12-inch touchscreens, Callum integrates just enough technology-four digital gauges with physical bezels that maintain the classic instrument layout while adding modern functionality. Think of it as the automotive equivalent of vinyl records making a comeback while Spotify playlists compete for your attention.
Mechanical Soul in an Electric Age
Flat tires can ruin a ride, but the death of internal combustion would ruin this restomod. Callum’s E-Type concept retains a proper engine-likely a V12 pushing between 300-380 bhp through that glorious five-speed gearbox. The upgraded independent rear suspension with adjustable dampers and four-piston AP Racing brakes ensure the chassis can handle the power without sacrificing the analog driving experience.
This powertrain choice isn’t about chasing 0-60 times-it’s about preserving the sensory experience that makes classic cars worth driving. You won’t find any “Ludicrous Mode” here-just the rising crescendo of a properly tuned engine and mechanical feedback that no amount of haptic vibration can replicate.
For those fortunate enough to commission one, this E-Type offers something increasingly rare: an authentic driving experience in a world where cars increasingly feel like appliances. Callum has created a stirring reminder of why we fell in love with them in the first place—the kind of vehicle that makes storing a classic car feel less like a chore and more like preserving a piece of art.
