The Jaguar E-Type reimagined
Bill Amberg Studio is very pleased to announce a collaboration with Helm Motorcars to design and produce a series of unique leather interiors for the Series 1 Jaguar E-type.
Bringing together uncompromising production standards, with advanced modern technology and bespoke interiors, Helm x Bill Amberg Studio celebrates the artistry of the iconic Series 1 design, while elevating the driving experience to the pinnacle of contemporary luxury.
Originally designed by former aeronautics engineer Malcolm Sayer, on its release on 15 March 1961, Enzo Ferrari described the Series 1 Jaguar E-type as “the most beautiful car ever made”. Sixty years on, with Sayer’s mathematically perfect lines flowing seamlessly from long nose to shapely rear, it remains a marvel of automotive engineering.
Having spent over a decade professionally sourcing the finest examples of these cars for restoration from across the UK and Europe, Helm founder Chedeen Battick approached the project with an obsessive eye for detail, and a deep respect for the value of British craftsmanship.
From the steel-reinforced monocoque shell, the handmade aluminium doors and hand built and polished big bore aircraft-grade stainless steel exhaust system, upwards of 3,800-man hours go into creation of one of Helm’s E-types. Under the aluminium handmade bonnet, lies a 300 bhp fast road 3.8 litre normally aspirated engine.
Elsewhere, modern technology such as electronic speed-sensitive power steering, a bespoke engineered five-speed gearbox, 6 pot alloy front brakes, adjustable suspension, a heated screen and soft close system, is integrated subtly without interfering with the purity and elegance of the original design
The interior, designed and produced in collaboration with Bill Amberg, sees buttery soft suede and plump semi-aniline leather used throughout. Lowering oneself into the driving seat of a Helm E-type is an unparalleled sensorial experience – the haptic qualities of the leather, together with thoughtful and exquisite internal detailing are intended to be as satisfying as trying on a new bespoke suit, or a perfectly fitted glove.
Hand crafted aluminium internal panels have been wrapped by Amberg’s team of leather craftspeople, while beautifully executed hand-stitched detailing is used on leather toggle switches, a hand stitched steering wheel and matching grab handle. Leather upholstery with stitched detailing was completed by the studio, and Amberg has created bespoke luggage for each Helm E-type, in the form of two sets of his iconic Rocket bags, in weekend and briefcase editions.
“You don’t get the opportunity to work on an icon of British style and taste very often. What we were able to do was to relook at the interior without the compromises of mass manufacture so luxury details could be placed in a subtle way for the new owner to discover themselves.
We used materials unusual in commercial car manufacture, a combination of the finest suede and leathers previously used only in luxury residential interiors. We also introduced hand-stitching and embossing for the steering wheel, toggle switches and levers. Subtle changes to the existing panel patterns in the boot were put in place to accommodate the set of handmade bespoke luggage and the removal of plastic shrouds for hinges and locks gave us the opportunity to nickel plate these elements and really let them shine..”
—Bill Amberg
Only 20 cars will be produced, all to the exact specification of the owners, to create unique works of automotive art, which will never be replicated.