Visit any vintage car show or dealership, and you'll notice that people flock to certain cars. One that's been showered in affection and praise since 1961 is the Jaguar E-Type Roadster. Along with the coupe variant, this car combines style and substance in a winning formula that has wowed automobile enthusiasts across seven decades.

The roadster allows drivers to choose whether to have the roof on or off. For many, a roofless roadster is the ultimate style icon, showcasing the owner's excellent taste and spontaneous spirit.

Regularly listed as one of the best classic cars to own, the E-Type epitomizes individuality and the open road. Today, it's possible to invest in adventure by ordering an entirely custom-built Jaguar E-Type Roadster.

A Car with Adventure at its Roots

How many classic motors have the same exhilarating history as the Jaguar E-Type? In 1961, Jaguar's PR manager Bob Berry drove the E-Type Coupe to the Geneva Motor Show for the car's unveiling. This was quite an adventure, driving flat-out across Europe.

However, the thrills didn't end there.

The then-boss of Jaguar, Sir William Lyons, decided to showcase both the roadster and the coupe. The opalescent gray coupe had captured the attention and hearts of the attendees, and Lyons knew the arrival of the roadster would wow them even more.

They called Jaguar test driver and development engineer Norman Dewis. He undertook an incredible overnight cross-continental drive, taking the roadster from Coventry to Geneva in time for test drives already booked for the following day.

Recently, during the 60th Anniversary of this iconic car, Jaguar invited E-Type 60 Collection owners on a pilgrimage in honor of this outstanding journey. This modern adventure took a more leisurely pace, stopping to take in the sights along the way. This is exactly the sort of trip Jaguar E-Type Roadsters revel in — the opportunity to discover new places and feel the freedom of the road rushing by.

Adventurous Spirits Have Embraced the Jaguar E-Type

Owning a Jaguar E-Type Roadster means joining an exclusive club of car connoisseurs. Throughout the years, E-Type owners have been leaders and trailblazers across multiple walks of life.

If you want to emulate someone who lived life to the fullest, look no further than Frank Sinatra. The singer and entertainer loved his Series 1 Jaguar E-Type. He allegedly saw the 1961 launch and stated, "I want that car, and I want it now!"

Staying on the musical theme, former Beatles star George Harrison was famously fond of cars. One of the jewels of his collection was the Jaguar E-Type, allegedly given by the band's manager, Brian Epstein, for George's 21st birthday.

Actor Peter Sellers was another visionary who adored the E-Type. He bought his wife, the multi-talented Britt Ekland, a stunning bright red Jaguar E-Type Roadster as a gift shortly after their wedding.

Other notable E-Type owners include Elton John, Roy Orbison, and Charlton Heston. It's no wonder so many people look to this car when they want something glamorous yet ready for adventure.

Create Your Own Jaguar E-Type Roadster Experiences

Despite demand, finding a classic Jaguar E-Type Roadster can be challenging. While many are revered and looked after, these tend to be in private collections and rarely go up for sale. Those still available usually require extensive maintenance and aren't always roadworthy.

For true fans of the iconic classic, there is now another option.

ECD Auto Design (ECD) now offers custom Jaguar E-Type builds alongside their current Range Rover and Defender builds. The team has brought their care and dedication to this classic motor, offering both Jaguar E-Type Roadster and Coupe models for discerning buyers.

Ordering a custom Jaguar from ECD allows customers to choose the historic Jaguar drivetrain, a new GM LT-1, or an all-electric system powered by Tesla. Other options include:

• Personalized interiors, including the option of high-quality Spinneybeck leather.
• Colors range from Peter Sellers-style Red to classic Sherwood Green.
• Chrome-accented steering wheel.
• Automatic headlights.
• Bluetooth connectivity.
• Blind spot assistance.
• Push-start button.
• Luggage racks.
• There are options for Series 1, 2, or 3, all available as roadsters with the customer's desired specifications.

ECD completed its first custom Jaguar E-Type in August 2023 and noted that only 10-12 of these models will be produced each year due to the time taken to complete these careful bespoke builds. When customers decide to work with ECD, they are paired with an experienced design specialist. This approach allows ECD to customize each aspect of the Jaguar to align with every individual's unique tastes and styles.

Related reading: Should You Build with ECD?

Since the early 1960s, the Jaguar E-Type Roadster has become a part of modern culture, permeating film, TV, and real-life adventures. It has inspired other automobile designers, from Ferrari to Datsun, and continues to thrill drivers all over the world to this day. Speak to ECD about ordering your custom-built Jaguar E-Type Roadster, and discover the power of this unique car as you take to the open road.