The Jaguar E-Type is one of the most iconic cars ever built. However, owning one today usually means facing a tough question: restore or restomod? And, maybe more importantly, how much is it going to cost?

In 2025, the price of restoring an E-Type can vary wildly depending on your approach, your priorities, and who’s doing the work. In this guide, we’ll break down what really drives restoration costs, how ECD’s process works, and why more people are investing in one-of-one E-Types built to last.

Why Restore a Jaguar E-Type?

There’s a reason the Jaguar E-Type still stops people in their tracks more than 60 years after its debut. It’s not just a classic. It’s the classic of all classics. Rumor has it that Enzo Ferrari famously called it the most beautiful car ever made, and few would argue. But as gorgeous as these machines are, time hasn’t always been kind to them.

Original E-Types, especially Series I and II models, often suffer from decades of wear, corrosion, and outdated components. That’s where a proper restoration comes in. At ECD, clients can choose between two paths: a faithful restoration that brings the E-Type back to its original factory condition, or a full restomod that blends classic design with modern performance and convenience.

A restoration preserves the car’s originality with matching numbers, factory specs, and period-correct finishes. Essentially, a restoration keeps things classic. In contrast, an ECD Jaguar E-Type restomod project is more about honoring the E-Type's iconic design while transforming it into something that actually fits modern life. Think modern V8 power, smooth-shifting transmissions, digital gauges, and creature comforts like air conditioning and Bluetooth audio that are all wrapped up in a body that still looks like a rolling sculpture.

Either way, an ECD-built Jaguar E-Type isn’t just about bringing an old car back to life. It’s about turning it into something you’ll actually want to drive, admire, and keep forever.

What Drives the Cost?

Restoring a Jaguar E-Type isn't a quick or cheap project, regardless of where you go. Based on data collected for Jag Lover Forums, a typical frame-off restoration by a reputable shop can run anywhere from $60,000 to $200,000. Of course, the full restoration costs can vary significantly depending on labor rates, parts availability, and how much of the car needs to be rebuilt. In addition, that lower range of the price spectrum is often just for a factory-correct restoration without performance upgrades, modern tech, or custom design.

At ECD, Jaguar E-Type builds start at $299,995, and for good reason. You're not getting a patchwork restoration. You're getting a fully reimagined, handcrafted vehicle built by a team that specializes in vintage British icons. Every build begins with a detailed teardown, followed by rust repair or chassis replacement, modern mechanical upgrades if requested, and hand-built interiors tailored to your taste.

That price includes paint and bodywork, drivetrain upgrades for restomods, full interior restoration, sound system installation, HVAC, gauges, custom wheels, lighting, and everything in between. With ECD, there are no hidden charges, and there's no guesswork. Just a streamlined, transparent process designed to deliver a finished product that exceeds expectations.

You could piece together a restoration from multiple shops over 2–3 years and still wind up with compromises. Or you could hand the project to a team that's done it dozens of times with show-stopping results and full quality control under one roof. That's the ECD difference.

Price Breakdown: ECD Jaguar E-Type Restoration

At ECD, Jaguar E-Type builds start at $299,995, but the final cost depends entirely on how you want to spec your dream car. Some clients opt for a faithful restoration with subtle upgrades for added reliability and comfort. Others go all-in on a full restomod with modern drivetrains, reengineered suspension, custom interiors, and cutting-edge tech.

That  $299,995 starting price includes a full frame-off restoration with a complete teardown and rebuild, custom paintwork in the color of your choice, and a handcrafted interior trimmed in leather, Alcantara, or any other material you select. It also covers HVAC installation, an upgraded sound system, refreshed suspension and braking components, digital or analog gauges depending on the build, and custom wheels fitted to your spec. For restomod clients, it also includes a full mechanical refresh or modern drivetrain swap.

However, if you want even more performance, ECD offers modern V8 engine options, custom tuning, premium infotainment systems, and bespoke one-off interior or exterior details. With full personalization, some E-Type builds exceed $400,000, depending on how far you take it.

But whether you keep it subtle or go bold, the process remains the same, with every detail being handled in-house by the ECD team. When you work with ECD, there's no third-party guesswork and no compromise on quality. In the end, you're not just restoring a classic. You're building a truly one-of-a-kind machine.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Restoring a Jaguar E-Type the right way takes time, especially when every detail is custom-built. At ECD, most E-Type projects take 12 to 18 months from initial teardown to final delivery. However, some builds can be completed in as little as 6 months. This timeline includes everything from chassis prep and fabrication to upholstery, drivetrain tuning, paint, and road testing.

Why so long? Because nothing is rushed. Each build moves through ECD’s in-house pipeline, where specialized teams handle every phase, from rust repair and mechanical upgrades to electrical wiring and custom trim work. Every bolt is turned by someone who knows what it’s supposed to feel like. Every stitch is sewn with a purpose.

Some shops will promise faster turnaround times by cutting corners or outsourcing parts of the job. That’s not how ECD operates. This is about quality, craftsmanship, doing it once, and doing it right. And when you finally take your glorious E-Type for a spin, you’ll know it was well worth the wait.

Is It Worth the Investment?

Restoring or restomodding a Jaguar E-Type isn’t just a financial decision. It’s a personal one. These classics aren’t chosen for their practicality. They’re chosen for what they represent: timeless design, engineering heritage, and the kind of emotional pull only a true classic can deliver.

At first glance, the cost of an ECD E-Type build might seem high. But what you’re investing in isn’t just a car. You’re commissioning a one-of-one creation built to your exact vision. Every detail, from the stitching in the seats to the exhaust note on startup, reflects your taste and your story. Unlike many of today's off-the-shelf luxury cars, an ECD E-Type is built to last, maintain its value, and stand out at every car meet, rally, or weekend drive.

For collectors, it’s an appreciating asset backed by world-class craftsmanship. For drivers, it’s a machine you’ll actually want to use, one that blends vintage charm with modern confidence. And for anyone who’s ever dreamed of owning an icon, it’s proof that dreams don’t have to stay stuck in the past.

Build Your Custom Jaguar E-Type With ECD

At the end of the day, restoring a Jaguar E-Type isn't just about bringing an old car back to life. No, it's about building something timeless, personal, and unforgettable. Whether you want a classic restoration or a one-of-a-kind modern creation, ECD delivers a seamless process and a show-stopping result. 

If you're ready to commission your dream E-Type, connect with the ECD team to learn more. And don't forget to check out our complete restomod offerings, from iconic Defender trucks to timeless Jaguar E-types.