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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