1962 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Liter OTS | Custom-Build Restoration

Every restoration and build that comes through Classic Showcase carries its own purpose, and the 1962 Jaguar E-Type Roadster currently taking shape in our shop represents a very different kind of vision. Rather than returning this Series I Roadster to a single factory specification,Tom and the team set out to create an original Classic Showcase “design” that draws on some of the stronger elements of the early Series I 3.8 liter and the 4.2 liter, as well as the Series I.5 4.2 liter. As Tom describes it, this build brings together some of the best features from each generation and fuses them into a single, cohesive Roadster that reflects how many collectors and enthusiasts of today might choose to build a collectible E-Type to be driven and enjoyed. 

This custom, performance-based build has been underway since early 2025, and is not intended for the strict purist or collector seeking total factory correctness. Instead, it represents a carefully curated combo of classic E-Type design, great mechanical upgrades, comfort enhancements, and thoughtful refinements drawn from Jaguar’s own evolutionary path.The result is a Jaguar that retains the unmistakable spirit of an early E-Type while benefiting from decades of development across the model’s lifespan. At first look, you’ll notice the bumpers have been removed, and the headlights and driving lights have been recessed into the bonnet, and the bonnet beading has also been removed. Then as an added touch, we modified the front and rear brake light assemblies and in doing so had to modify the body to accommodate this. Details such as the removal of the top bows, which creates noticeably more cockpit space, underscore the driver-focused philosophy behind the build and reinforces its one-of-a-kind identity our team has crafted.

A Purposefully Designed Custom Build 

Before the first wrench was turned, Tom outlined a clear direction for the build. The intention was to elevate both aesthetics, comfort, and performance while respecting the iconic design that makes the early E-Type Roadster one of the most admired sports cars ever produced. Among these enhancements - the XKE features an early alloy dash and center console, 15 inch Wooden 3-spoke steering wheel, along with the removal of the front and rear bumpers to create a cleaner, more aggressive profile. D-Type-inspired wheels and a matching removable hardtop will give the car a purposeful stance, while 6 inch wide wheels wrapped in 205/70R15 tires will offer improved grip and balance.