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Car and Driver
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Ex-Jaguar Design Boss Reimagines the E-Type with This Stunning Concept
Here's a futuristic take on the classic Jaguar E-type from a company run by Jaguar's former styling head, Ian Callum. It's just a demonstration design at present, but it could be made into a one-off. A less-is-more approach here proves that the XKE can still look fresh. Famously praised even by Enzo Ferrari, the Jaguar XKE is one of the prettiest cars ever built. As the Brits say, it would take a lot of cheek to mess with it, but when you're the former head of Jaguar design, allowances can be made. Thus, Callum Designs has dared to modernize the silhouette of the classic Jaguar E-type—and you have to admit they've pulled it off rather well. Callum Designs Ian Callum's portfolio includes the Aston Martin DB7 (and most of the early work on the DB9), the Jaguar XK, and the Jaguar F-type, so he knows his way around traditional grand tourer styling elements. This project is not necessarily confirmed for production. Instead, it's a chance for the design team to stretch their creativity. Should a client with a donor E-type show interest, it's certainly something that could move from the virtual realm to reality. The exterior is finished in a minimalist matte gray, with all the chrome trim eliminated. The headlights and taillights have been updated for a modern look (Lucas, Prince of Darkness, consider yourself exorcised), and the large wheels look futuristic while still reflecting the spirit of the original wire wheels and three-bladed knock-on hubs. It sits low, a crouching cat. Callum Designs The interior has the same ethos, with discreet digital gauges but analog dials for the instrument panel. There are physical toggle switches and—perhaps best of all—a large metal shift knob that indicates a five-speed manual transmission. Twin pipes out the back seem to further indicate that this design isn't meant to be a whisper-quiet EV but a proper growler. There are no hints as to whether it's meant to be powered by a straight-six or V-12, but presumably either could be made to fit. Callum Designs Sussex-based Eagle already does restored and restomodded Jaguar E-types. Then, of course, there's Jaguar Heritage itself. But these are more traditional offerings, not quite so daringly forward-looking as the Callum Designs take. As Jaguar repositions itself in a rapidly changing market, it too will have to pick and choose what to bring forward from the past into the future. Even as a one-off, this car proves that when the big cat company was at its best, the cars were truly timeless. Brendan McAleer Contributing Editor Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. Read full bio
Motor 1
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
This Jaguar E-Type Restomod Does the Original Proud
Former design boss Ian Callum has some impressive notches in his belt: The Aston Martin DB7 and Vanquish, the Jaguar XK and F-Type, and more recently, the nearly forgotten C-X75 prototype . Now, the famed automotive designer and executive is at it again with his own take on one of the most iconic sports cars of all time. This is Callum's absolutely gorgeous Jaguar E-Type restomod concept. It's just a sketch, but soon, this stunning 3D render could become a reality if someone is willing to pay the right price. It's part of Callum's so-called 'Portfolio Project,' alongside a radical off-road SUV dubbed the Grampian—with more to come. Photo by: Callum The design isn't all that radical for the E-Type —a car many enthusiasts deem 'untouchable.' It sits lower and wider than the production version, and rides on stylish, dished tri-spoke alloy wheels. It also features new headlight housings with an LED upgrade, and dual exhaust tips out with lightly updated taillights. The interior is largely unchanged, with a few modern bits and bobs added for good measure. The four gauges in the center of the dash, for example, have been transformed into tiny screens displaying things like Apple CarPlay connectivity and navigation. The steering wheel, leather treatment, and driver displays in this rendering look like they could have come from the factory, but Callum says customers can customize their cabins as they please. The good news is that this doesn't appear to be an EV restomod, either (peep the five-speed manual gearbox in the center console). If this lovely-looking E-Type does indeed make it to the production floor, it should have a V-12 underhood. Or at least a powerful V-8. 5 Source: Callum More From Callum Design Jaguar C-X75 Stunt Car Gets A New Lease On Life With Road-Legal Conversion Porsche 911 Gets An Interior Made From Eggshells And Coffee Pulp Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Top Gear
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Behold: Callum Designs' utterly sublime E-Type restomod concept
Behold: Callum Designs' utterly sublime E-Type restomod concept Ex-Jag designer pens his perfect E-Type. Now just needs a customer to donate their original Skip 4 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 4 There are very few people in the world you'd trust to *successfully* restomod an E-Type, but former Jaguar design boss Ian Callum would be one of them, and his team's latest work imagines exactly that scenario. Yep, welcome to Callum Designs' E-Type concept. We'll give you a few seconds to lift your jaw from the floor. Ready? OK, good. It forms part of the British design house's new 'Portfolio Project' series, and, while merely a render for now, there's a possibility that it'd build one from an old E-Type for the right customer. And for the right (and as yet unknown) price, obvs. Advertisement - Page continues below As for the design itself, the original stance has been dropped a few inches and the proportions widened with meatier wheel arches. Other touches include new casing for both sets of lights, larger tailpipes and dished three-spoke alloys, supplemented with aero discs. All very tasteful, but we're glad there's some familiarity with the exposed grille staying put. Callum says the interior could be tailored entirely to your needs. We'd stick with the red leather and wood trim spec shown - both pretty and minimalist. There's a speedometer and rpm dials ahead of the vintage-looking steering wheel, navigation and music gauges sandwiched between fuel and oil temperature readings, and… not much else, actually. Though one other piece is worthy of your attention: the five-speed manual gearbox with its solid metal gearknob. Yep, if it happens this thing certainly won't be one of those EV restomods. But what do we reckon folks, should it get a straight-six or a V12? Advertisement - Page continues below Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
