Jaguar Classic celebrates the sporting heritage of the iconic E-type giving life to ZP Collection. A limited edition range made up of seven exclusive pairs of E-type vehicles.
The class of ZP Collection Jaguar Classic
These new luxury collectible models pay homage to the first racing E-types. These were produced with code of “ZP” project.
Just a few months after the introduction of the E-type in 1961. These slightly modified Jaguar-designed racing versions celebrated their first sporting victories.
The pair of vehicles E-type ZP Collection
Each pair of vehicles E-type ZP Collection includes one coupé roadster e una coupé Fixed Head. Finished with liveries inspired by the victorious original cars, which have been fully restored by the experts at Jaguar Classic Works in Coventry.
The two cars draw inspiration from the two models which, at the time, were identified with their registration numbers “ECD 400” e “BUY 1”. Drive in the sixties respectively from Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori.
The ZP Collection E-types feature details that commemorate the sporting heritage of this iconic model, coupled with some engineering improvements that make them more usable for customers.
The words of the director Jaguar Classic
Paul Barritt, Director of Jaguar Classic, said: “The ZP Collections are a glorious tribute to the E-type’s triumphant debut in the world of motorsport, which immediately established it as an integral part of Jaguar’s rich motorsport heritage.
Each pair tells a fascinating and often unknown story of the iconic E-type. The ZP Collection pays homage not only to cars.
But also to the riders who led them to victory on the track. With 2,000 hours of passionate and dedicated work by Jaguar Classic craftsmen on each car.
Our discerning customers will enjoy a one-of-a-kind tribute to two of the greatest models in E-type history.”
14 sports cars equipped with Jaguar V8
During 2023, the Jaguar’s SV Bespoke team will feature a limited run of F-TYPE ZP Editions. Inspired by the E-type ZP Collection.
Fourteen of these sports cars, which will be powered by a supercharged 5.0-litre V8 Jaguar powerplant.
However, they will be reserved for E-type ZP Collection customers. Thus creating an unrepeatable celebratory quartet. Starting in 2025, Jaguar will become a brand Modern Luxury.
Proudly electric onlystarting an exciting new chapter for the brand founded by Sir William Lyons nel 1935.
historical foundations
Jaguar Classic’s unique cars celebrate an important part of E-type history. And they take their name from seven original examples, which were transformed into racing cars.
These cars made their debut in the racing world in April 1961. Just one month after the triumphant presentation of the first E-type at the Geneva Motor Show.
Claude Baily, Jaguar’s Chief Designer at the time. He details the specs of these seven Project ZP cars the day after the E-type’s triumphant launch in Geneva.
Each car received engine modifications and improvements to some components such as the block and cylinder head and, to improve performance, a close ratio gearbox was inserted.
The racing career of the E-type
Just one month later, on 15 April 1961, the “ECD400” and the “BUY1” won first and third position in the Oulton Park Trophy reserved for GT cars. This was the start of the E-type’s racing career and a continuation of Jaguar’s racing tradition, which began years earlier with iconic models such as the C-type and D-type.
The E-type “ECD 400” vittoriosa a Oulton Park, of color indigo bluewas led by Graham Hill, while the “BUY 1”, a Pearl Gray example, was driven by Roy Salvadori who finished in third place. Subsequently, on May 21, 1961 Salvadori won at Crystal Palace. In total, between 1961 and 1964, the E-types were very successful and achieved 24 podium finishes.
The vehicles
The couple’s first car pays homage to E-type roadster coupé Indigo Blue di Graham Hill. Rifinita in Oulton Bluea color variant inspired by the original color of the “ECD 400”. This model featured a black soft top. And a series of exterior details that celebrate the victorious race car driven by Hill.
Round inserts on the bonnet and doors finished in white. As well as the outline inside the front grille. The logo bar running across the grille and front overriders has been removed, in keeping with the original racing version.
However, unlike the original, which was only developed for sporting competitions regardless of the finish. Jaguar Classic’s engineers want a perfect and flawless nose for the car. And as a result the front end has been meticulously reworked and finished by hand with over 40 additional hours of work.
Jaguar luxury
The front and rear bumpers are chromed. Whilst the spoked wheels and hubs feature the Jaguar Heritage logo. To ensure a look that is absolutely in line with the 1961 cars. Behind the beech wood steering wheel are a whole host of other features afferent to early E-types.
Including welded bonnet louvres and key lockable bonnet exterior latches. The latter feature dedicated ZP logos and are joined by a leather hood retention strap.
The unique details
A selection of further details reminiscent of the project found in other parts of the car. Such as on the fuel cap, the car’s outer cover and the soft top cover where the ZP logo is present, while the ZP and Jaguar logos on the reverse they identify the unique nature of each vehicle. Artistic graphics are also present on the sides of the car characterized with the Union Jack set in a silver shield, with the silhouette of the E-type and the inscription Project ZP.
The interior features exclusive and authentic finishes such as the Bridge of Weir and Hardura red leather upholstery, as well as the golden push-button horn. Jaguar Classic has once again collaborated with master engraver Jonny “King Nerd” Dowell on this project. On the center console there are unique artistic panels, finished in anodized aluminum, with some details engraved by hand.
In particular, on the console of the E-type Oulton Blue roadster there are engravings with the silhouette of the car and the Oulton Park track with a start and finish flag, in honor of Graham Hill’s first victory. As a further celebratory element of that success, half of a laurel wreath was engraved and Hill’s famous quote which said: “In a race my car becomes part of me, and I become part of it”. The art panels have been anodized to the same high-quality standards applied to modern production models, to ensure a durable and consistent appearance.
The second car
The second car of each pair pays homage to E-type driven by Roy Salvadori at Crystal Palace in 1961, which followed in the footsteps of the success achieved at the debut of the E-type a Oulton Park.
While all of the original Project ZP cars were based on the roadster coupe, the “BUY 1” inspired car was reimagined as a Fixed Head coupe, giving customers and collectors the option of having both body styles. Drawing inspiration from the original Pearl gray colourway, this model has been finished in Crystal Grey, a name derived from the track where Salvadori scored his first E-type victory.
Same as version Oulton Blue ispirata alla “ECD 400”, la coupé Fixed Head Crystal Grey comes with decals white roundabouts and roadster-like exterior details. Also on this version the Jaguar badging bar running across the central grille and overriders has been removed, as are the same chrome bumpers, welded bonnet louvres and signature side graphic detailing as the Jaguar. roadster. Created in collaboration with specialists Vaughtons, based in the UK in “Jewellery Quarter” of Birmingham, the exterior badging mimics the look and design of racing stickers of the era.
Interiors
Inside, the BUY 1-inspired car features Bridge of Weir Dark Navy leather with matching Hardura trim and a beech wood steering wheel, while the center console’s aluminum accents are anodized in gray. Here we find the other half of the laurel wreath engraved on the console of the Oulton Blue car, while in this case the profile of the track present is that of Crystal Palace and the text bears the nickname of Roy Salvadori “King of the Airfields” (the king of the airfields) positioned next to the silhouette of the car.