Series 3 Jaguar E-Type Restomod - August 2025

One of our most recently completed projects to roll out the workshops has been this Series 3 Jaguar E-Type. This Series 3 E-Type has undergone a full restomod transformation, fusing the Jaguar’s classic style with modern high-tech features to create a custom classic car for our client’s needs. The Series 3 E-Type, produced between 1971 and 1974, made considerable improvements to the engine compared to the previous models. In addition, we have continued to make a range of additional upgrades to this legendary Jaguar. In this article, we will be breaking down each bespoke element of the restomod process, going over all the technical and modern upgrades which improve the E-Type's style and drivability. 

To begin the restoration process, we had a conversation with the client to discuss all the requests for the restomod and began to complete a full strip-down of the Jaguar. After removing the paint, the E-Type entered our metal workshop. We conducted a visual inspection of the underlying panels, checking for any damage or corrosion, and replacing or repairing any parts as required. We additionally introduced aluminium body panels, such as the doors, bonnet, and boot lid, to improve performance and aesthetics. Aluminium was used to help reduce the E-Type’s weight, improving the vehicle's handling and responsiveness.

The Jaguar E-Type is often hailed as one of the most beautiful vehicles ever made—but by the time the Series 3 arrived in the early 1970s, its design had taken a direction that didn’t appeal to everyone, getting mixed reactions from the classic car community. However, the Series 1 E-Type remains a beloved favourite today, which was the inspiration for this restomod design. Therefore, we have enhanced the design of this Series 3 E-Type by drawing inspiration from the Series 1, reworking several key design areas.

Some of these areas include a redesign of the rear end. To enhance the E-Type’s aesthetic, the curvature of the rear was refined to produce a more graceful and cohesive silhouette. This included modifying the curvature of the tail and replacing the original Series 3 tail lights with the lights used in the Series 1 E-Type, frenching them to the new custom bodywork to create a smoother overall appearance. Additionally, the bumper was adjusted, and our panel beaters fabricated a one-piece unit to reduce visual clutter. In addition, at the front, the original Series 3 orange lights were removed and replaced with the cleaner, Series 1 lights. This helped reinforce the traditional styling while keeping the overall look more refined and minimal.

As well as taking inspiration from the Series 1 Jaguar E-Type, some more modern and sportier design elements were integrated into this restomod, upgrading this E-Type from a soft grand tourer into a more serious, performance-led vehicle. One of the features we integrated was a quad exhaust. The four exhaust outlets were carefully fitted into the rear bodywork, giving the E-Type a sportier, more aggressive look and hints at the upgraded performance features. The quad exhaust provides a sense of balance and symmetry and gives the E-Type a more modern edge whilst still representing the Jaguar’s classic roots. Additionally, we installed a Monza Fuel Filler Cap. This quick-release flip-up fuel cap was originally designed for racing and has a bold mechanical look. This stylish feature is often mounted on top of the body panel, not sitting flush with it, so this stand-out feature often becomes a talking point.

In addition to metalwork upgrades, we also made several mechanical and engineering improvements to the Jaguar to further enhance the E-Type's performance, a major focus for this restomod. The series 3 E-Type originally came with a 5.3-litre V12 engine producing around 272 horsepower and reaching approximately 135mph. During our reengineering, we enhanced the 5.3L V12 engine to a 6.1-litre engine, increasing displacement and power output. Giving this Series 3 Jaguar a more muscular performance profile. This E-Type was also fitted with a more modern fuel injection system, replacing the original carburettors, improving efficiency and reliability. Along with the fuel injection system, custom aluminium plenums were fabricated to help feed cool air to the engine. This helps by reducing intake temperatures, therefore improving combustion and overall drivability.

Some other mechanical upgrades include the installation of a drive-by-wire throttle. The traditional throttle linkages were replaced with an electrical drive-by-wire system. Upgrading the throttle to an electrical system will provide a more precise throttle response, making acceleration and deceleration feel smoother and more refined. Additionally, we took a number of steps to modernise and tidy the engine bay. For this, our restoration technicians and panel beaters hand-built aluminium custom panels for the engine bay, such as the side tanks for the vacuum and washer fluid, to create a clean engine bay layout. The battery was also relocated to the boot, freeing up space in the engine bay and helping with weight distribution.

To further tidy up the Jaguar’s engine bay and simplify our wiring architecture, the original Series 3 wiring was completely removed and replaced with a CAN bus system. This modern digital communication system creates a shared network of wires, which was essential for integrating some of the modern features into this Jaguar E-Type, such as the drive-by-wire throttle and air conditioning. The CAN bus helps to improve reliability, as fewer connections in the wiring loom create better diagnostics and cleaner power delivery. In addition, another modern component integrated into the restomod was digital gauges. They provide more accurate data by pulling real-time digital data from sensors around the Jaguar. 

This Series 3 restomod has been completely reimagined, not only in its exterior and mechanical upgrades, but throughout the interior as well. Through our 4Tipo service, we combine traditional craftsmanship with a modern aesthetic, introducing custom design motifs across the interior trim and upholstery. Custom coloured panels were installed in the glovebox and other interior panels to add character whilst maintaining the classic style of the E-Type. All the details are handcrafted and tailored to our client's bespoke ethos for the build. To finalise the project, a local artist was commissioned to hand-paint our 4Tipo branding on the exterior of the Restomod E-Type. This distinctive finishing touch gives the Jaguar a personal one-off feel. 

This Jaguar E-Type has recently completed the final testing phase and is being prepared to ship back to our client. It was a pleasure working on this Series 3 restomod for our client, who was kept up to date with the restoration through our Global Workshop. This allows us to post updates about each stage of the restoration process with a clear description and pictures of the work that has been undertaken for our client to view. This allowed them to feel involved during each stage of the restoration process.

If you are interested in customising your Jaguar E-Type through our 4Tipo Restomod service, please contact us with confidence! Call us on 0115 926 2266 or email us at info@thorntonrestorations.com.