Is this the highest-specification E-type V12 ever?

A 1974 Jaguar E-type Series 3 has been restored and upgraded to become what we think may be the highest-specification ‘E’ of all time. E-type UK has undertaken the restoration for an overseas customer, and has produced a tremendous car that has 284bhp and a 6.1-litre fuel-injected V12. Numerous additional details have been tailored specifically for the customer’s desires, overall taking 3000-plus man-hours to complete. AutoClassics had a look inside the company’s Kent workshop earlier this year.

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The V12, originally a 5.3-litre Jaguar-spec unit, has been fully rebuilt and reworked. As a specialist in fuel-injecting E-types, E-type UK created a bespoke downdraft injection system for the car with Jenvey throttle bodies, Emerald ECU and full custom wiring loom. The engine’s capacity was increased to 6.1 litres, enabling it to put 284bhp of power through the rear wheels. The audio is improved, too, with custom-made velocity stacks and a 12-branch stainless-steel exhaust system that enhances the sound.

It’s not just the engine where performance and weight have been improved. The Jag’s inner sills have been strengthened, bespoke extended louvres have been added to the bonnet and additional air ducting has been created. Adjustable suspension with sports torsion bars are on all four corners, and there are four-pot AP Racing brakes with grooved vented discs at the front.

An aerospace-grade aluminium five-speed gearbox replaces the original unit, with internal ratios chosen to complement the new power band at play. Even the wheels have been completely upgraded.

The modifications to the car’s interior are to give a classy feel as well as pure performance gain, and it’s all been trimmed in bespoke leather. The seat bases have been lowered to boost the driving position, and a heating option makes winter drives more comfortable and complements the air-conditioning. Beneath the foot lies Dynamat sound deadening – presumably so that the new surround-sound system, complete with auxiliary cable and Bluetooth, can be better heard.

LED lighting has been added throughout the car as a safety feature as much as a style one, with the interior benefiting from custom footwell and boot lighting. With a full external light conversion to LEDs, this E-type is a stunning combination of what made the original great and what modern technology can bring to a classic today.

If only we could get our hands on that glowing red start button on the dashboard.