As one of the most iconic sports cars of all time, the Jaguar E-Type really needs no introduction. While Eagle has been continuing its legacy with a series of exquisite E-Type replicas, there will soon be a more authentic alternative. Renowned for its comprehensive restoration projects for the Land Rover Series 1 and more recently the Range Rover Classic, Jaguar Classic is giving the iconic E-Type the restoration treatment for the first time, though only a limited batch of ten examples will initially be available.

Each 'Reborn' car goes through a meticulous restoration process. Jaguar Classic sources an original E-Type and rebuilds the original components to the original 1960s factory specification using build records and original drawings to make it as authentic as possible and restore it to concours-winning standard. Due to be revealed at the Techno-Classica Essen show in April, the first E-Type to get the Reborn restoration treatment is an Opalescent Gunmetal Grey Series 1, 4.2-liter Fixed Head Coupe, which was originally exported to California in May 1965. It recorded 78,000 miles before going into storage in 1983 and retains its original matching numbers bodyshell, engine and gearbox.

Of course, while authenticity is paramount, safety is still a priority so any safety-critical parts are replaced with new Jaguar Classic parts. New body panels from Jaguar Classic's reverse-engineered panel program are also fitted if necessary to remove corrosion. You wouldn't notice, though – the Reborn team are so thorough that they recreate the correct type of spot-welding when refitting the panels. Alternatively, customers can upgrade the Series 1 E-Type Reborn with a number of "sympathetic upgrades" from later models, such as improved cooling, an all-synchromesh gearbox and Series 2 front brake calipers.

"The launch of E-type Reborn is a hugely exciting development for Jaguar Classic. The E-type is the most iconic sports car of all time, so we are delighted to be able to give new life to expertly selected examples for discerning customers around the world to own and enjoy," said Tim Hannig, Director, Jaguar Land Rover Classic. "The resources and information available to Jaguar Classic's expert technicians are unrivaled, which results in the most authentic E-type restorations possible." Prices start at 285,000 GBP (around $355,000), and while that may sound extortionate it's still considerably cheaper than an Eagle E-Type. Hopefully more examples will be made if there's enough demand.