Back from the dead: Jaguar Lightweight E-Type resurrected by brand’s Heritage division

By Andrew Hard Published April 24, 2023

Rarely does an automaker’s promise come to fruition as satisfyingly as it has with Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Operations Division (SVO).

The customization branch, which launched in June, is “completely focused on enhancing and personalizing the relationship our most discerning and enthusiastic customers have with our brands,” said to John Edwards, SVO Managing Director.

Jaguar Heritage, which operates within the automaker’s special ops wing, has decided to do just that. The historically-minded outfit is bringing the classic Lightweight E-Type back from the dead, building just six examples of the featherweight sports car.

Why just six? The original run of featherweight E-Types was meant to be 18 vehicles in total, however only 12 were produced. Thus, six unused chassis codes have lain dormant since 1964, oft overlooked, forgotten by many … until now.

Each of the six cars will be hand-built to the exact specs of the original E-Type, aluminum body and 340-horsepower XK six-cylinder and all.

RELATED: Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe first drive

Normally, this would be the part where I say something like, ‘The Jag may be a classic, but it will be chalk-full of today’s technology,’ but I can’t. Yes, the entire body was digitally mapped down to the millimeter, but the ‘new’ E-Type will not use modern materials or construction methods in the building process.

The grades of aluminum used to build the car are nearly identical to those used in 1963. The engine will be carbureted. Even the brakes are the same, although the front discs are slightly larger than before.

The Jag will shake. It will rattle. It will cough. And I think I speak for all classic Jaguar lovers when I say I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Whether it’s the unpainted aluminum that graces the sports car’s interior, rack-and-pinion steering, or retro 15-inch ‘perforated’ wheels, this car is the perfect homage to the legendary E-Type because it is the legendary E-Type.

A ‘Car-Zero’ prototype has been constructed and will be showcased on August 14th at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. There will be countless automotive beauties and technological wonders at the event, but I have a feeling that this ‘old’ Jag might just steal the show.

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Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

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EVs top gas cars in German reliability report — but one weak spot won’t quit

future electric cars 2021 volkswagen id4 official 32

Electric vehicles are quietly crushing old stereotypes about being delicate or unreliable, and the data now backs it up in a big way. According to Germany’s ADAC — Europe’s largest roadside assistance provider — EVs are actually more reliable than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. And this isn’t just a small study — it’s based on a staggering 3.6 million breakdowns in 2024 alone.
For cars registered between 2020 and 2022, EVs averaged just 4.2 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles, while ICE cars saw more than double that, at 10.4 per 1,000. Even with more EVs hitting the road, they only accounted for 1.2% of total breakdowns — a big win for the battery-powered crowd.
Among standout performers, some cars delivered exceptionally low breakdown rates. The Audi A4 clocked in at just 0.4 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles for 2022 models, with Tesla’s Model 3 right behind at 0.5. The Volkswagen ID.4, another popular EV, also impressed with a rate of 1.0 – as did the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross at 1.3. On the flip side, there were some major outliers: the Hyundai Ioniq 5 showed a surprisingly high 22.4 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles for its 2022 models, while the hybrid Toyota RAV4 posted 18.4.
Interestingly, the most common issue for both EVs and ICE vehicles was exactly the same: the humble 12-volt battery. Despite all the futuristic tech in EVs, it’s this old-school component that causes 50% of all EV breakdowns, and 45% for gas-powered cars. Meanwhile, EVs shine in categories like engine management and electrical systems — areas where traditional engines are more complex and failure-prone.
But EVs aren’t completely flawless. They had a slightly higher rate of tire-related issues — 1.3 breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles compared to 0.9 for ICE cars. That could be due to their heavier weight and high torque, which can accelerate tire wear. Still, this trend is fading in newer EVs as tire tech and vehicle calibration improve.
Now, zooming out beyond Germany: a 2024 Consumer Reports study in the U.S. painted a different picture. It found that EVs, especially newer models, had more reliability issues than gas cars, citing tech glitches and inconsistent build quality. But it’s worth noting that the American data focused more on owner-reported problems, not just roadside breakdowns.
So, while the long-term story is still developing, especially for older EVs, Germany’s data suggests that when it comes to simply keeping you on the road, EVs are pulling ahead — quietly, efficiently, and with far fewer breakdowns than you might expect.

Cars

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2025 Lucid Gravity front quarter view.

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It’s available in 68 markets across the U.S., and pricing is fully transparent—no hidden fees or haggling. While Hyundai is so far the only automaker fully participating, more are expected to join over time.
Pioneered by the likes of Tesla, purchasing or leasing vehicles online has been a growing trend since the Covid pandemic.
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Meanwhile, Deloitte’s 2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study reveals that while 86% of U.S. consumers still want to test-drive a vehicle in person, digital tools are now a critical part of the buying journey.
Bottom line? Amazon is making it easier than ever to lease an EV and claim that tax credit—without the dealership hassle. If you're ready to plug in, it might be time to add to cart.