New classic car constructor Helm is to launch a modern replica of the Jaguar E-Type Series One, 60 years on from the debut of the original.
The Helm-built cars use at least 30% of an original donor E-Type, with modern components including bespoke vented brakes, a 225kW 3.8-litre straight-six engine, a stainless steel exhaust system, a bespoke five-speed gearbox, adjustable suspension and speed-sensitive electric power steering. Tyres are provided by Avon, with ZZ Fast Road rubber fitted.
The aluminium bonnet and doors are handmade, and the doors also feature a modern soft-close system. For convenience, a heated windshield is also fitted.
The interior is designed and built by leatherwork specialist Bill Amberg Studio. Interior appointments include hand-crafted aluminium panels as well as semi-aniline leather and calf suede. Even the toggle switches on the dashboard are hand-stitched.
The car’s cabin is lit by modern LED illumination, and there’s an air-conditioning system as well as a Bluetooth audio system, and everything is powered by a modern wiring system. Each Helm E-Type will also come with two handmade ‘Rocket’ weekend bags and two briefcases.
Helm was founded last year by E-Type specialist Chedeen Battick, who has spent more than a decade sourcing original E-Types for the project. He set up the company with a view to providing the ultimate custom-made Jaguar E-Types, and indeed Helm claims that its cars are built to the exact specification of each owner, meaning there will never be two cars alike.
Customers will have to be patient, because construction of each Helm E-Type is not a rapid process at around 3800 man hours.
The production run will be limited to just 20 examples, with a price on application depending on the specification demanded by each buyer.
Euan Doig