CALLUM, the design and consulting firm, founded by none other than one of the most important automotive designers of the 21st century, Ian Callum, has shown off a striking digital rendering of a modern-day Jaguar E-Type. This is a model that had a profound impact on Callum since he was a boy and was instrumental in paving a successful career path in transportation design.
The render is a part of the company’s new Portfolio Series, a curated collection of bespoke design concepts, that celebrate individuality, craftsmanship and heritage. The Scottish designer took to social media calling this latest project a ‘Classic with a Twist’.
While Callum can be credited for his contributions and penning timeless icons like the Aston Martin DB7, DB9, Vanquish, Jaguar F-Type, and many more; he was also a key figure in reviving both brands. As Jaguar’s former design director, he helped steer the British marque into the modern age, all while retaining its soul.
The same cannot be said about Jaguar’s recent move, when it revealed its radical new Type 00 Concept. The primary goal of this exercise was to get the world talking about Jaguar once again, and on that front, they’ve succeeded. However, in a dramatic departure from the marque’s legacy and storied past that goes back decades set forth by founder Sir Willam Lyons; Jaguar now intends to reinvent itself as a futuristic all-electric luxury brand.
This is where Callum’s E-Type render hits back like a breath of fresh air. It’s certainly not a resurrection, but a respectful evolution? It most certainly is. Finished in a sleek satin silver against a contrasting red-interior and modern-LED DRLs, it honors the 1960s original. It’s proof that modern design doesn’t have to erase history to make a statement.
This is also why the restomodding scene is thriving, because these cars retain the aesthetics, while bringing mechanical and safety standards up to speed. Specialists like Singer and Gunther Werks are now big names and even within the Jaguar world, you have the likes of the Eagle Speedster and Low Drag GT based on the E-Type.
Coming back to CALLUM, they’re a lot more than just a style house. Based in Warwick, England, it is a full-fledged design and engineering studio, working on everything from one-off commissions and unique furniture to all-terrain vehicles like the Grampian. As for the E-Type Project, more details will be revealed throughout the month of May. Watch this space.
Source: CALLUM/Instagram
