Or, if you’d prefer to be a bit more purist, you can tell ECD to fit an original 4.2-liter inline-six or Jaguar V12
https://www.carscoops.com/author/sam-d-smith/
<!–
–>
by Sam D. Smith
6 hours ago
–> 
–>
East Coast Defender (ECD) is — as the name strongly implies — best known for its classic Land Rover restorations and resto-mods. But now they’re turning their attention to the other half of the JLR classic lineup and focusing on Jaguar. And their first offering? It’s only a blooming E-type.
The E-Type is a brave choice to showcase one’s restoration (or indeed restomod) capabilities. Revered by anyone with a semblance of style, the Jaguar E-Type is arguably the quintessential British sportscar. And restoring one to OEM+ levels isn’t exactly a new idea, either. So what makes ECD’s first E-Type, known as Project Dallas Commission, so special?
Read Also: Jaguar Classic Will Sell These New E-Type ZP Collection Restomods Exclusively As Pairs
advertisement scroll to continue
Well, to begin with purists may want to avert their eyes, as under the hood of Project Dallas lies a Corvette LT1 engine, complete with a 8-speed automatic transmission, complemented by Fosseway six-piston brake calipers up front and four-piston out back. But a honking great 6.2-liter American V8 isn’t the only option available for ECD’s custom builds. Also on offer is the company’s second-generation electric powertrain. And, if you really don’t want to upset the world of purist motoring, buyers can also choose between the original Series-II 4.2-liter inline six or the V12 from the Series III E-Type.
After you’ve settled on a powertrain, each E-Type undergoes a 2,200-hour restoration process. Naturally, customization is at the heart of each build, with paint colors, interior materials, and details such as the look and feel of the gauges all ripe to be tweaked to make it your own.
The Project Dallas Commission showcases a classy combination to whet the appetite of any potential client. Finished in historic Jaguar green, the convertible top is trimmed in Nappa leather. The leather extends to the seats, which may look original in design, but sport the comforts of being heated and ventilated.
Related: Is This New 400 HP Electric E-Type Genius Or Sacrilege?
The classic-look but modern tech theme continues with the sound system too. Project Dallas gets a Retrosound Bluetooth-enabled head unit, coupled with JL Audio speakers and driven by a Kenwood Slimline subwoofer. Keeping your gadgets charged are four USB ports, and keeping you out of trouble is blind spot assistance and automatic headlights.
Giving the car a purposeful and period aesthetic is a custom luggage rack, while the entire car is tied together by some handmade center-locking wire wheels from Italian specialists Ruote Borrani.
The price for such a project? Expect the company to charge over $300,000 depending on the configuration and custom options required. And with ECD expecting to build between 10 and 12 E-Type per year, exclusivity is virtually guaranteed.
