Factory-restored Jaguar E-type 60 Collection launched

The Jaguar Classic division has revealed it will mark the 60th anniversary of the Jaguar E-type with an exclusive production run of restored cars that will be built to launch specification.

The run of 12 cars consists of a Series 1 coupe and convertible that are based on the two cars that were used for the E-type's public debut at the 1961 Geneva motor show.

Named 9600 HP and 77 RW after the numberplates the original models wore, the limited run of cars are said to have been faithfully restored to largely factory specification, with a few subtle updates.

Under the bonnet, all cars come powered by the 3.8-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine that produces 198kW.

Differing from the original, the restored vehicles get an uprated cooling system, electronic ignition and a new five-speed manual gearbox that offers smoother changes.

In place of the standard mild-steel exhaust, the Jaguar E-type 60 Collection editions get a full stainless-steel exhaust that sounds better and lasts much longer.

Outside, the E-types are identical to the two original cars, painted in the same Flat Out Grey and Drop Everything Green paint – named after the legendary high-speed overnight journey to Switzerland by Jag PR man Bob Berry and mechanic Norman Dewis.

Other subtle changes include a modern infotainment system, bespoke badging and a hand-finished route map engraving on the centre console.

On the coupe, the map engraving carries Sir William Lyons' famous words to Berry on his arrival in Geneva: "I thought you'd never get here."

The convertible, meanwhile, has a "drop everything and come now" inscription referring to Lyons' panicked phone call to Dewis that he needed a second press car for the Swiss motor show.

Jaguar Classic has confirmed just six pairs of cars will be made, with each tipped to cost £600,000 ($A1.1m).