Everyone at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show seemed to agree. The car that had just been unveiled transcended the particular automotive industry. It was more than a mode of transport. It was a work of art.

The launch associated with the Jaguar E-type has become folkloric, with tales of journalists falling over each other to see the sensation for themselves, and one car’s last-minute, overnight dash from Coventry to Switzerland becoming legendary (Jaguar had taken only one model to Geneva. Realising the extent associated with demand, they ordered another to be driven through the night. It made the journey in an astonishing 11 hours, averaging a speed of 68mph). The particular E-Type redefined car design, Enzo Ferrari reportedly referring to the particular roadster version as “the most beautiful car in the world. ”

This year marked the 60 ^th anniversary of the quintessential British sports car, and thanks to specialist insurers and restorers, like Footman James and London-based Classic Investments, new generations of enthusiasts are discovering that the joy associated with ownership extends far beyond potential financial reward. Yes, big gains in recent years have made halo cars like the E-type the bankable asset, but renovating, owning plus driving a vintage car provides the kind of pleasure you just don’t get from investing inside stocks and shares.

“It’s about giving a special car a second chance, ” says Agris Alksnis, founder associated with Classic Purchases, who advises his customers to invest with both their heads plus their hearts. “Not every car is deserving of the second life but the particular ones we restore are proven masterpieces of a given era – an era defined by grace, flawless style and incredible stories. You get to resurrect these treasures through the ashes. ”

Classic Investments renovates vintage cars to concours standard from its workshops in London. The company’s internal team of craftspeople – including welding and body experts, traditional panel beaters, paint specialists, coach trimmers, mechanical technicians, chemists and electricians – work on every nut and bolt, handling complete restoration work, as well as subtle modernisation. All restoration is carried out on-site, which includes re-chroming, reupholstering and restoring seats plus interior trim.

Recently, Classic Investments renovated a 1966 Jaguar E-type, one of just 1, 583 right-hand-drive Series 1 4. 2 coupes ever built. Bought new by a U. S. army sergeant serving in West Germany, it was wrecked in 1968 and then parked – meaning that the 24, 555 miles on the odometer are usually, amazingly, accurate. After Traditional Investments’ function, the vehicle must rank as one of the most meticulously finished E-Types in existence.

“This car was the essential time-capsule project, ” states Alksnis. “It was so well-preserved that it retained lots of parts and components that are typically replaced, dissolved, or just absent after every-day driving. As all of us pay attention to all minor details in order to get the particular car in order to authentic factory concours standard, it’s invaluable to possess such a complete package. There are plenty of components you can’t buy anymore – once they’re gone, they’re eliminated. ”

“The Jaguar E-type is a perennial favourite, plus rightly therefore – it’s in our top 10 of most-insured models, ” explains David Bond, Managing Director of Footman James. “It retains a special place within many enthusiasts’ hearts and so we know from speaking with our clients how dedicated owners can be. ”

“The E-type market will always be solid and stable, but for some its true value may have been overlooked over the past few years. However , we’re seeing renewed interest, and milestones like the 60 ^th anniversary of that famous debut have served to remind plus reinforced the iconic status. ”

Finished inside contemporary opalescent gunmetal grey, with the red, Italian leather interior, the vehicle restored by Traditional Investments manages that difficult task associated with looking both cutting-edge and remaining faithful to the particular original vision of William Heynes, then-Head of Design at Jaguar. “This will be one of just six car designs recognised by the New York City Museum of Modern Art as a permanent addition in order to its collection, ” describes Agris. “You can’t become heavy handed when it comes to working with these types of cars, plus small mistakes can leave the completed project wide of the mark. ”

As well as restoration work, Classic Investments also manufactures bespoke luggage to match the cars it works on. Using traditional techniques and materials to create mounted or enclosed trunk luggage, the company creates contemporary pieces or vintage-inspired articles that are indistinguishable from the particular original trunks on which they are based.

“It’s a case associated with providing an unique touchpoint that helps you anticipate and appreciate the vehicle before a person even sit in it, ” says Agris. “Pack a case for a weekend away, and you’re already thinking about the drive ahead. Our cars are intended to be used, not simply stored in an air bubble – where would be the enjoyment in that? Yes, you are investing, but who said you can not have some fun at the same time? ”

Footman James covers many classic car ownerships, from desirable motorbikes through to multi-car, million-pound collections and everything in between. This enables it in order to tailor its service to suit customers looking in order to make sizable investments in classic vehicles, such as the E-type. “We ensure our services meet client’s needs, yet our Private Clients group specialises inside providing tailored insurance packages for prestigious vehicles, vehicle collections plus even high-value homes, ” explains Relationship.

“We currently insure £1. 3bn within our Personal Clients team alone, and each Private Client has a dedicated account handler who can look right after any needs throughout the lifetime of a policy. Classic vehicles are our passion, and it makes us happy to be able to make sure that someone’s pride plus joy stays well protected under our own care. ”

The team in Footman James Private Clients can make sure your entire vehicle selection under a single policy. This particular can include cars and bikes, classic and modern vehicles, kit cars, supercars and much more. Find out more about Footman James’ Private Client insurance from footmanjames. co. uk

The information contained in this article is based on sources that we believe are reliable and should be understood as general risk management and insurance information only. It is not meant to be taken as advice with respect to any specific or individual situation and cannot be relied upon as such. If you wish to discuss your specific requirements with Footman James, please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] co. uk . Footman James will be not a financial advisor and the particular information contained in this article is not designed as, and really should not be construed as, financial guidance. For expense activity FJ always recommend that you seek suggestions from a professional investment advisor.