Jaguar Classic celebrates first-ever E-type race win with seven pairs of restored ZP Collection examples; limited-run F-Type to follow

Words: James Howe

Jaguar Classic has introduced the Jaguar E-type ZP Collection, a limited run of 14 restored examples set to be offered in pairs. Each of these will comprise a drophead coupe and fixed-head coupe inspired by the first E-types to race as part of Jaguar’s Project ZP in the early 1960s.

The famous original ZP vehicles are known by their numberplates: ECD 400 and BUY 1. The former was campaigned by Graham Hill, the latter Roy Salvadori; the pair finished first and third respectively at the Oulton Park Trohpy for GT Cars in April 1961. Salvadori racked up a with later in the same year at Crystal Palace, paving the way for a further 24 podiums for the racing E-types between 1961 and 1964.

Jaguar’s modern-day efforts hark back to these race-winning machines. The first is a drophead coupe finished in Oulton Blue, a shade inspired by ECD 400. A black hood, white roundels, white ‘lipstick’ and a removed grille bar offer further nods to the original, although the modern incarnation boasts a reworked, hand-finished nose to refine its appearance.

Each is based on the specification of a 1961–1964 Series 1 E-type, with power from a 3.8-litre straight-six with 265bhp. The modern incarnation includes a 1961-style radiator, but with an electric fan and electronic ignition. A polished stainless steel exhaust system ensures the restored cars sound the part.

Other touches include chrome bumpers front and rear, wire wheels, beech steering wheel (with golden growler horn push), welded bonnet louvres, external lockable bonnet latches. Subtle ZP logos feature throughout alongside a bespoke side graphic.

Red Bridge of Weir leather features inside along with period-correct Hardura trim. The centre console of each E-type includes unique art panels by Jonny ‘King Nerd’ Dowell; the drophead’s panel features a design commemorating Graham Hill’s famous win, while the fixed-head coupe’s item celebrates Roy Salvadori and his ‘King of the Airfields’ nickname.

The fixed-head coupe gets a similarly thorough treatment to its drophead sibling. Although the original car was a drophead, the ZP Collection example fully sells its reimagined bodywork with Crystal Grey paintwork, a hue inspired by the original car’s paint and named after the location of Salvadori’s maiden E-type win. White roundels and external detailing, including the remodelled nose, match those of the drophead coupe.

Inside, dark navy Bridge of Weir leather gives a nod to the interior of BUY 1, with bespoke features in line with those of the drophead ECD 400-inspired car.

Owners of each ZP Collection pair will also get a period-correct helmet to match each of their restored E-types, made by Bill Vero of Everoak. Each gets its own tailored leather storage bag to match the cars’ trim and handbook pouch.

Pricing for the ZP Collection pairs has not been officially announced; prospective buyers are invited to contact sales@classic-jaguarlandrover.com, or visit the Jaguar Classic website.

Jaguar has also announced its plans to introduce a limited-edition Jaguar F-Type ZP Edition model inspired by the ZP Collection cars and created by Jaguar’s SV Bespoke team. Full details are expected later this year.