ECD’s Jaguar E-Type: A Classic Reborn With Modern Power
The Jaguar E-Type has long been one of the very finest expressions of motor-car artistry, as well as perhaps, the most beautiful sports car ever built, with its vast expanse of bonnet and elegant shape, wonderfully proportioned body and unmistakable British charm. Drivers have forever been tempted by the connection they can achieve with a classical motor car and the tangible feel that is offered as gear selector, steering wheel and the subtle sounds of individual components relate your intent direct to the road. Of course with an automotive relic also comes wear and tear and a certain lack of 21st century reliability and upkeep.
The dream for many collectors is to experience the beauty and personality of a historic car without dealing with the frustrations that come with decades-old engineering. Modern technology has made it possible to preserve the character of classic vehicles while improving performance, comfort, and dependability. This is where Florida-based ECD Auto Design has built its reputation, transforming legendary British vehicles into handcrafted machines designed for modern driving conditions.
Originally known as East Coast Defenders, ECD began its journey by rebuilding the legendary Land Rover Defender. Instead of simply restoring old vehicles, the company developed a complete remanufacturing process that focused on improving every part of the vehicle. After years of perfecting this approach, ECD expanded its expertise beyond Defenders and turned its attention toward another British automotive masterpiece: the Jaguar E-Type.
1. ECD Auto Design’s Journey From Defender Restorations
When ECD Auto Design began in 2013, the company known as East Coast Defenders was solely engaged in restoring another British off-road icon: the iconic Land Rover Defender, of which it also began providing fully remanufactured versions, rather than simply doing “restorations”.
Detailed Restoration And Modernisation Approach:
- Defender-focused restoration beginnings
- Complete vehicle remanufacturing process
- Precision inspection and component upgrades
- Classic design with modern reliability
- Proven quality through customer confidence
It starts by the whole truck’s basically being gutted down to just that basic frame structure. We then have all of the components-just painstakingly looking at and examining every nut and bolt and then either repaired, replaced or refitted to our quality. ECD can put things back together that kind of get that same kind of feel like the original, but makes you reliable for modern use.
Paying attention to the particulars aided the company’s efforts, with more than 500 Defenders rebuilt. Every one comes with the confidence-building assurance of a two-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty so customers can know the classic machine is up for present-day demands.
2. A New Chapter With The Jaguar E-Type
“ECD have been transforming Defenders into “Defender reimagined“ programme to the car now and after perfecting their Defender restoration, they chose the Jaguar E-Type, because they felt that British cars of this era deserved more love,” as if you and I didn’t know this was one of the best design of any sports car ever built.
Preserving Heritage With Modern Improvements:
- Expanding beyond Defender restorations
- Reviving iconic Jaguar E-Type design
- Maintaining original classic identity
- Enhancing comfort and reliability features
- Improving classic ownership experience
There was nothing like the E Type stunning design, long bonnet and a very low set-up and of course becoming an instant hit. Unfortunately, the designers back then were in a world without ABS and so forth and for someone accustomed to a modern vehicle, the engineers of the day have a job on their hands to satisfy both reliability, safety as well as the emotional factor which you would lose in a brand new vehicle.
It’s that ability ECD intends to foster via their E-Type Project, where the firm is set to rebuild the Jaws body in time-honoured fashion without making a new beast entirely more a perfected beast. ECD is taking the essence that already exists and simply building up on it; solving the quirks with a modern approach.
3. Why ECD Chose The Series 3 Jaguar E-Type
ECD chose Series 3 E-Type models built between 1971 and 1974 for their transformation program. These models were more refined and better for what is considered a modern-day restomod project.
Series 3 Features Supporting Modern Builds:
- Improved comfort through factory upgrades
- V-12 engine performance foundation
- Longer wheelbase interior advantage
- Practical choice for restomod projects
- Strong base for modern upgrades
There was new optional equipment and styling updates in 3 Series models including power steering as standard and the option of air conditioning to offer an enhanced level of passenger comfort.
For instance, the Series 3 got Jaguar’s now-famous V-12 engine that dictated a wider and a longer body on the 2+2 models giving rise to a more spacious interior that works well today. Beyond being a comfortable and capable platform, the Series 3 is a desirable because earlier Series 1 and Series 2 E-Types have become very expensive, high-value collectors, making them quite expensive at the genesis of a full rebuild project. Thus, the Series 3 is a great beginning base for what ECD has built.
4. A Complete Transformation Beyond Traditional Restoration
But ECD’s process involves more than a straight restoration; the company starts from the metal up before restoring a classic, building a vehicle from the bare bone up. Just each build takes nearly 2,200 hours of handwork to complete an E-Type.
Ground-Up Rebuild With Modern Enhancements:
- Complete vehicle disassembly process
- Detailed inspection of all components
- Modern upgrades for better performance
- Classic design with improved reliability
- Balanced approach to heritage preservation
The vehicle is fully stripped at the start of the process. Engines, suspension units, body panels, and vehicle interiors are first checked before rebuilding can get underway.
Rather than keeping every factory component they wanted to transform the car and its feel when driving it in place modern upgrades were made where it made sense but the character and original feel of the XJS were kept. This has made a car that looks the part yet drives much better.
5. Personalisation That Makes Every E-Type Unique
Perhaps the greatest thing about one of ECD’s bespoke builds however is the customisation opportunities a customer has at every stage of building. There’s a formula the client can follow, not a fixed template that an ECD build has to fit into.
Custom Design For Individual Ownership:
- Personalised builds based on preferences
- Classic appearance with modern upgrades
- Custom interiors and exterior options
- Luxury materials and advanced features
- Unique vehicles reflecting owner identity
Another take on a modified classic involves maintaining a stock exterior while upgrading the underlying mechanical systems. These owners are going for a vintage look, but want better driving dynamics.
Other customer choose a more dramatic look; custom paint colors, renovated interiors, state-of-the-art sound system, premium materials etc. We will transform classic vehicles into entirely personalized modes of travel; customized to suit each individual taste and lifestyle. During the design phase, ECD doesn’t hold back. Any color or interior theme a client dreams up, ECD is willing to execute.
6. Three Different Powertrain Choices For A Modern E-Type
While this isn’t ECD’s only option on offer for the Jaguar E-Type it gives consumers three potential powertrain choices to consider-ultimately deciding the personality of their classic sports car, ranging from classic British sport to electrifying futuristic appeal.
Flexible Powertrain Options For Enthusiasts:
- LT1 V8 with modern muscle performance
- Upgraded V12 preserving Jaguar heritage
- EV2 electric conversion technology option
- Personalised driving experience choices
- Blend of heritage and innovation
There’s the roaring LT1 V8, for the purist who craves the muscle the American cars can deliver. Or opt for the extra premium feel with Jaguar’s V12 upgrade or step into the future by picking up an EV2 a 21st century approach to the 60’s legend.
Choices That Define ‘Your E-Type.’ With this bespoke process, ECD are able to produce more than simply restored classics the E-Types that result from ECD are a bespoke fusion of tradition, modern technology and the ultimate in performance, letting each owner make the ultimate statement about their legend.
7. The American Muscle Character Of The LT1 V8 Conversion
ECD Providing those seeking ultimate in performance the option to take their experience to the next level, ECD is now giving customers access to the GM Performance LT1 V8 engine. This engine, originally implemented in the Chevy Corvette, offers an extra boost in performance for this already incredibly stylish and distinctive Jaguars, which is a beautifully appointed combination of classic British design and American muscle.
Powerful V8 Performance With Jaguar Style:
- Corvette-derived LT1 V8 engine option
- Approximately 460 horsepower output
- Modern eight-speed automatic transmission
- Strong torque and acceleration capability
- British elegance with muscle character
LT1 V8 Power with ~460 HP and 465 lb-ft Torque mated To the Modern Eight-Speed Automatic this car now accelerates much better and has a much stronger character while looking the way that it was always meant to look.
Now back behind the wheel, this E-Type equipped with a LT1, provides a vivid counterpoint to its stunning body; you’d never assume the svelte-looking, 1960s sports car could unleash this amount of aggression, noise and outright performance: This becomes nothing less than an elegant hot rod.
8. Preserving Jaguar Heritage With The Rebuilt V12 Engine
For you that are serious about feeling the originality of the original E-TypeECDhas developed and re-built and enhanced Jaguar’s legendary V12 engine for use in the 12-cylinder models. This engine will not only bring new life to your 12-cylinder E-Type, but will increase its usability and performance for everyday driving without compromising that classic E-Type feel.
Modern Upgrades While Preserving Heritage:
- Rebuilt Jaguar V12 engine option
- Increased reliability through modern upgrades
- 6.1-litre conversion with fuel injection
- Tremec five-speed manual transmission pairing
- Classic driving feel with modern benefits
Having fully refurbished the original engine, it will then be shipped to England for further substantial modifications at the hands of a specialist who will turn it into a full ‘6.1’ litre engine incorporating modern fuel injection. While these enhancements provide better efficiency and greater reliability, the gentle but surely smooth torque of the V12’s remains fully preserved.
Engine Output: “Approximately 348 hp and 341 lb-ft” The enhanced E-Type gets a Tremec five-speed manual. If you’ve always longed to experience a classic E-Type to the full, it gives you a very original feel and all the benefits of modern engineering!
9. The Electric Future Of Classic Car Performance
ECD’s EV2 electric powertrain introduces a completely different vision for the Jaguar E-Type. As electric technology becomes more common in the classic car world, this conversion allows owners to enjoy the timeless design of the E-Type with a modern electric driving experience.
Electric Innovation For Classic Performance:
- EV2 electric powertrain conversion option
- Cascadia motor delivering instant torque
- Balanced battery placement approach
- Around 150-mile driving range capability
- Future technology with classic styling
The system uses a Cascadia iM-225 electric motor producing approximately 301 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. A specially designed 42-kWh battery pack is positioned to maintain the vehicle’s balance, keeping the weight difference close to the original car.
With an estimated range of around 150 miles and DC fast-charging capability, the electric E-Type delivers silent but instant performance. It represents a new era of classic motoring where historic design and future technology come together in a unique package.
10. Driving Experience: Classic Emotion With Modern Confidence
Driving the ECD Jaguar E-Type creates a rare combination of classic emotion and modern usability. Inside the cabin, the vehicle maintains the traditional atmosphere of a vintage sports car with handcrafted leather, classic gauges, and the iconic driving position that made the original E-Type special.
Blending Vintage Feel With Modern Comfort:
- Traditional handcrafted cabin atmosphere
- Classic gauges with iconic styling
- Modern connectivity and safety upgrades
- Engaging driving experience with confidence
- Analogue character with improved usability
At the same time, modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and subtle safety upgrades make the car easier to enjoy in everyday conditions. ECD has carefully integrated these improvements without removing the character and personality that define a classic Jaguar.
The driving experience remains focused and engaging. The steering feels direct, the low-slung body keeps the driver connected to the road, and the upgraded components provide confidence without eliminating the analogue feeling that enthusiasts appreciate.
