A CLASSIC Jaguar found gathering dust inside an old barn had a mighty surprise hidden under its bonnet.
A gorgeous 1969 Jaguar E-Type was recently discovered in Dallas, Texas, and filmed by famous car enthusiast Dennis Collins, known for his YouTube channel and his appearance on the TV show Fast N’ Loud.
The E-Type, also known as the XKE in the US, is widely considered one of the most famous and beautiful sports cars ever built.
This particular example had seemingly been left unused for many years – with Collins stating it had been parked since 1999 with not many people knowing of its existence.
While the bodywork of the car was covered in a thick layer of dust, it overall appeared to be in good condition – with the interior in especially good nick.
But perhaps the biggest surprise is the mighty Ford 302ci V8 engine that had been placed underneath the bonnet, replacing the famous Jaguar XK.
Equipped with a performance cam, it seems the Jaguar underwent a conversion, which, according to the owner, was carried out by the renowned John’s Cars, Inc., a company known for performing numerous V8 swaps on E-Types and other Jags in the past.
Naturally, this gives this particular E-Type a bit more of a kick.
However, to accommodate the powerful V8 engine, the E-Type’s bonnet had to be modified with a “power hump” to ensure it would fit.
Back in October, we revealed that Jaguar is to build two new E-Type models using the car’s original blueprints – 50 years after it ceased production.
The brand’s in-house historic vehicles division, Jaguar Classic, is ready to take on the project on request of a customer based in Southeast Asia.
The two new E-Types will be built to the original Series I specification, but will be inspired by the run-out Series III Commemorative Edition.
Both will be coupe versions, with one finished in Signet Green and the other in Opal Black, and each will be powered by the same 3.8-litre straight-six engine that could be found in the E-Type from 1961 to 1964.
Despite being kept to classic specification, these new models will come equipped with a handful of modern conveniences, such as electronic fuel injection to replace the original’s triple SU carburettors.
What’s more, a Bluetooth radio and heated windscreen will also be discreetly added to enhance usability.
To make each car even more exclusive, they will be fitted with hand-woven Bridge of Weir tan leather seats, with an aluminium centre console engraved with an original E-Type design blueprint.
England’s oldest manufacturing jewellery firm Deakin & Francis will also create the iconic ‘growler’ badges using 18-carat gold and mother-of-pearl.
It has not been confirmed how much the two E-Types will cost the new owner, with each taking more than 2,000 hours to build by hand.
This comes as Jaguar has come in for a lot of criticism in recent months following a radical rebrand in November.
The firm’s new creative direction, characterised by a bizarre advertising campaign, was branded as “woke” by some, with the brand accused of alienating its core customers.
Yet bosses remain convinced by the “bold” new approach, which will see Jag halt all new sales for a year before relaunching as an EV-only company focussing on the luxury segment.
This charge will be led by its new GT model, the concept for which was unveiled earlier this month.
The car is expected to boast over 400 miles of range and a £100,000 price tag, though it has attracted ridicule for its bright pink colour.
