British sports cars don’t come more iconic than 1960s MGs, Triumphs, and the like, cars from an era freewheeling and carefree enough to support a hazily positive view of the breed. These classics’ fun-loving nature was in lockstep with the ’60s Baby Boomer explosion of self-expression and protest. Never mind the fact that, as were British sports cars before and since, 1960s-era models were finicky, leaky, and diabolically unreliable. But one ’60s British sports car rose above the rest to become a legend: The Jaguar E-Type, a stunningly gorgeous symbol of speed and lust. Sixty years on from the E-Type’s 1961 debut, Jaguar is honoring its luminary with a special-edition F-Type coupe and convertible.
The Jaguar F-Type Heritage 60 special edition is all about the E-Type generally and the ’60s specifically, with only 60 examples being in the cards. All will be painted Sherwood Green, a hue not offered since—you guessed it—the 1960s. There are “E-Type 60” badges on the tail and the door sill plates, and they’re shared with six restored Series I 3.8-liter E-Type 60 Collection vehicles restored by Jaguar Classic. Based on the current F-Type R, the Heritage 60 model is a far cry from the 3.8-liter E-Type, with a supercharged 575-hp V-8 instead of a 200-odd-hp inline-six, all-wheel drive in place of rear-drive, and, well, 60 years of automotive technology progression baked in.
Jaguar’s SV Bespoke division is responsible for the Heritage 60’s special paint, as well as the two-tone Caraway and Ebony Windsor leather interior. The carpets are Caraway-trimmed, too, and SV Bespoke installs fresh aluminum center-console trim said to be inspired by the rearview mirror casing on the original E-Type. Buyers can select between the F-Type coupe and convertible body styles; regardless, every Heritage 60 comes with diamond-turned, gloss-black 20-inch wheels; gloss black and chrome trim; and subtle black-painted brake calipers.
All of the work is done by hand, and the results are impressive. As with another 1960s-themed, green icon we can think of—cough, cough, Ford Mustang Bullitt!—the green paint and decluttered exterior and classically trimmed interior give the F-Type Heritage 60 a vintage vibe surely worth whatever Jag is thinking of charging for something this rare and special. There is just enough retro flavoring here to get your inner counter-culture self going, without the carburetor adjustments, oil leaks, and hateful electronics of an actual old British sports car. We suggest getting in line if that’s of interest—remember, only 60 will be made, and they go on sale in March.
