Custom stretched version of the Jaguar E-Type unveiled
The Jaguar E-Type series I 4.2 roadster was introduced in 1961. Considered a piece of art, 'the' Enzo Ferrari went as far as to call it "the most beautiful car ever made". Come next week, London will be witness to the world's first stretched E-Type that will be unveiled at a major automotive awards ceremony.
Classic Motor Cars Limited of Bridgnorth (CMC) has, during a major restoration, stretched a 1968 left hand drive Jag E-Type series I 4.2 roadster by four and a half inches. "The car is phenomenal to drive. This is the E-Type that Jaguar Cars should have built. The extra space makes all the difference and actually alters the whole attitude of the car," said Nick Goldthorp, MD, CMC.
The stretched Jaguar E-Type series I 4.2 roadster
The later generations of the E-Type increased in size along with weight and engine size. The largest is the Series III, which features a V12 engine along with a 9-inch longer body. The customised series I was built as an answer to something with a room of a series III but the styling of a series I. "This is something that we have never done before. Our client wanted the interior leg room of a Series 3 V12 E-Type but the aesthetics of a Series I car," said Goldthorp.
This custom series I has been monikered 'Kaizen' by its US-based owner Paul Branstad. Paul, who had the intentions of touring all across the country, wanted a trailer built for himself. CMC accomplished this by putting together two E-Type rear ends. It is connected using a detachable tow hitch, which locks into position through the reversing light aperture. The reversing light hides the hitch mechanism when the trailer is not in use. The name 'Kaizen' comes from Japan and means 'improvement of working practices' or 'change for the best'.
This custom series I has been monikered 'Kaizen' by its US-based owner Paul Branstad
Changes during the custom job include an additional four and a half inches to the floor pan to increase leg room, roof line raised by 1.25 inches above the driver's head, lowered/reshaped boot floor to hold a 75 litre fuel tank and a wider spare wheel. The car comes fitted with 16-inch wire wheels shod with lower profile radial tyres. Other upgrades include air conditioning, power steering, upgraded brakes, five-speed gearbox, suspension and handling upgrades.
The Jaguar E-Type series I is powered by a 4.2-litre engine that makes close to 270PS of power and 384Nm of peak torque. "As an idea, the Kaizen E-Type was a conceit of the imagination but the car itself has now become a reality by taking advantage of modern material and component technologies provided by CMC," said Branstad.
