The entire crowd who attended the 1961 Geneva Motor Show seemed to have a similar opinion. The automobile that was just revealed transcended the auto industry. It was more than just a vehicle for transport. It was an work of art.
The debut of the Jaguar E-type has been a source of legend with stories of journalists stumbling over one another to experience the thrill for themselves and one car’s last-minute overnight trip to Coventry to Switzerland becoming a legend (Jaguar had only taken one car to Geneva. In recognition of the demand they ordered another model to drive through the night. The car was driven in the enthralling 11 hours at a speed of 68mph on average). The E-Type changed the way cars were designed, Enzo Ferrari reportedly referring to the roadster model as “the most stunning car on the planet.”
The year of the anniversary celebration of the classic British sports car. thanks to specialist restoration and insurance companies such as Footman James as well as London-based Classic Investments, new generations of car enthusiasts are discovering the enjoyment of owning a classic goes well beyond the potential financial rewards. Sure, huge gains in recent years have made classic cars like the E-type an investment asset, but the process of renovating and having an old car gives you satisfaction that you can’t find in investing in shares and stocks.
“It’s all about giving that particular automobile a new chance” claims Agris Alksnis who is the founder of Classic Investments, who advises clients to invest with their minds and hearts. “Not every vehicle is worthy of a second life , but those we restore are the best of the time that was that was defined by elegance, perfect design, and fantastic stories. It is possible to revive these treasures from the dust.”
Classic Investments renovates vintage cars to concours quality through its workshop located in London. The internal team comprised of craftsmen, including experts in welding and body work traditional panel beaters coach trimmers, paint experts mechanical technicians, chemists , and electricians work on every bolt and nut and performs all restoration tasks and subtle modernization. Restoration work is done on site, which includes re-chroming, upholstery and restoration of seats as well as interior trim.
Recently, Classic Investments renovated a 1966 Jaguar E-type. It is one of the few right-hand drive Series 1 4.2 coupes ever constructed. It was bought brand new by an U.S. army sergeant serving in West Germany, it was damaged in 1968 and stored – which means that the 24,555 miles recorded on the odometer are astonishingly precise. Following Classic Investments’ work, this car is one of the most meticulously completed E-Types ever built.
“This vehicle was the most important time-capsule,” says Alksnis. “It was preserved to the point that it resisted a lot of components and parts that usually get replaced, destroyed or simply not present after everyday driving. We pay close attention to every little detail to bring the car back to its original factory-concours quality it’s important to have a complete collection. There are many components you’ll never buy again Once they’re gone, the items are gone.”
“The Jaguar E-type is a popular model that is always in demand, and it’s rightly as it’s listed on our list of the top 10 the most insured cars,” explains David Bond as the Managing Director at Footman James. “It has a special spot in the hearts of many enthusiasts and we can tell through our client contacts the dedication of their owners.”
“The industry of the E-type will remain solid and stable, however for some , its true importance may have been lost in the last few years. But, we’re witnessing an increase in interest and events like the 60th anniversary the iconic debut have helped to remind and reinforce its status as a classic.”
The exterior is finished in contemporary opalescent gunmetal grey, and Red, Italian and leather-lined interiors, this vehicle restored to its original condition by Classic Investments manages that difficult task of appearing modern while remaining true to the original concept that was the vision of William Heynes, then-Head of Design at Jaguar. “This is among only six designs that have been recognized in the New York City Museum of Modern Art as an ongoing addition to their collectionof cars,” Agris explains Agris. “You should not be overly cautious when working with these vehicles Small mistakes could make the final product way off the line.”
Alongside repairs, Classic Investments also manufactures customized luggage that matches the vehicles it works on. Utilizing traditional methods and materials for creating trunk luggage that is enclosed or mounted The company designs contemporary items or antique-inspired pieces which are identical to the original trunks they’re built.
“It’s an issue of offering an individual touchpoint that lets you to anticipate and appreciate the car before you get in it,” says Agris. “Pack the case for a weekend getaway and you’re already planning the trip ahead. Our vehicles are meant to serve their purpose, not just placed in an air-filled bubble. So where’s the pleasure in this? Sure, you’re making money, but has anyone says you shouldn’t enjoy yourself while doing it?”
When searching for classic car restoration make sure you visit the site of Revival Autos.
Footman James provides a variety of iconic car owners, ranging from beautiful motorbikes, to multi-car collections worth millions of pounds and everything between. It is able to customize its services to meet the needs of clients who want to invest substantial amounts in vintage vehicles, such as the E-type. “We guarantee that our services will meet the needs of our clients, but we also have a Private Clients team specialises in offering customized insurance plans for high-end vehicles, collections of vehicles and even homes with high value,” explains Bond.
“We currently have insurance coverage of PS1.3bn within the Private Clients team, which is all by itself. every Private Client has an account manager who is able to handle any issues during the life of a policy. Our passion is for classic cars and we’re satisfied to make sure that the pride and joy of a person remains safe with us.”