Here is a modern, forward-looking reinterpretation of the iconic Jaguar E-Type, created by a company led by Ian Callum, the former head of design at Jaguar. Currently, it’s only a prototype design, but it has the potential to be developed into a unique, one-of-a-kind piece. A minimalist approach here demonstrates that the XKE continues to appear modern and stylish. Enzo Ferrari really liked the Jaguar XKE, one of the most beautiful cars ever made. The British often say, “It would take a lot of courage to tamper with it,” but when you’ve previously led Jaguar’s design team, you can afford to take that risk. Callum Designs reshaped the iconic Jaguar E-type, and they nailed it. Ian Callum is the creative force responsible for designing the Jaguar XK, Jaguar F-type, and Aston Martin DB7, as well as contributing significantly to the early design of the DB9. These vehicles demonstrate his expertise in crafting timeless grand tourers. While this concept may never be produced, it offers the design team an opportunity to showcase their creativity. Should a donor E-type owner express interest, there’s a good chance the design could move from digital concept to actual production. The gold trim has been taken off, and the outside is now a plain matte gray. The big wheels look more modern, but they still have the same three-bladed knock-on hubs and wire wheels as the originals. The headlights and taillights have also been updated to look more modern (Lucas, Prince of Darkness, you have been freed). It’s slouched down like a cat. The instrument panel has analog dials, but the cabin has the same feel thanks to individual digital readings. The most appealing part might be the big metal shift knob that shows a five-speed manual gearbox and the real toggle switches that go with it. The two pipes in the back suggest that this design is meant to be a real growler, not a very quiet electric car. It’s not clear if a V-12 or a straight-six engine is meant to power it, but both could likely be changed to work. Eagle, a Sussex-based company, has already fixed up and changed Jaguar E-types. Of course, there’s also Jaguar Heritage. Of course, these are more realistic options than the Callum Designs, which are very far into the future. In a rapidly moving market, Jaguar will also have to decide what to carry over from the past into the future. Even though it’s one-of-a-kind, this car shows how famous Big Cat’s cars were when they were at their best.
