Restored 1963 Jaguar E-Type is a Real Dream Car
Splitting the difference between staying original and making a classic Jag a driver’s car is difficult, but it’s not impossible.
The Jaguar E-Type is easily one of the best-looking classic cars ever made. Full stop. That being said, when people undertake large, costly, restorations that stray into “resto mod” territory, things can get weird. Sure, we’d drive a classic Jag with a Chevy 350 under the hood, but it’s not really a Jag anymore.
We found this review from Jay Leno’s Garage on YouTube of a 1963 E-Type restored, and modified, by Dan Mooney of Classic Jaguar. The ’63 has been made to look like an E-Type Lightweight, with as many original Jaguar components as possible.
Perhaps the most striking details, though not immediately obvious, is the fact that the body has been remade in aluminum. Jay asks Dan how much lighter the car is because of it. “It’s not that much, actually. About 400 of 500 pounds. This particular car weighs 2,200 pounds,” Dan explains. Though, they gained back a few of the pounds saved over the original car by adding a roll cage and a 35-gallon fuel tank. The owner that commissioned the car intends to drive it, and Dan made sure to modify it accordingly.
Under the hood no detail has been overlooked, down to the addition of an electric vacuum pump. Why? The upgraded cams don’t produce much vacuum at idle, and the extra vacuum means the owner can haul the quick little E-Type to a stop without any drama. The engine, which has been stroked, makes more than 350 hp and Jay notes is, “probably the fastest six-cylinder Jaguar [he’s] ever driven.” All the more reason to have a little extra stopping power.
There are so many details that we’d hate to spoil any part of the video. Also, bust out those headphones, the exhaust note is just spectacular.
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