Eagle-eyed car fans did a double-take during the coverage of the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex this past weekend. After the ceremony, Their Highnesses took to the road in a fifty-year-old Jaguar E-TYPE that had a decidedly modern twist… and a more-than-passing relationship to some new Jaguar models coming soon to Jaguar Peabody.

It’s not often that a car could carry two model years at once, but that’s what we’ve got here. In its present incarnation, the car is a Jaguar E-Type Concept Zero. The Zero is a nod to zero emissions, thanks to its all-electric powertrain. Built at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Coventry — also responsible for earlier limited-edition reissues of the Jaguar XKSS and Jaguar E-TYPE —  it’s capable of a 5.5-second zero to sixty time.

This isn’t a badge-engineered car, however. It’s a stock (mostly) 1968 1.5 Series Jaguar E-Type Roadster. For all of the work done to the powertrain, as much of the car was left in original condition as possible. That makes sense, of course; the Jaguar E-TYPE is almost universally considered a classic — perhaps even the pinnacle of beautiful car design — and you don’t mess with perfection.

The mix of new technology with classic design sense isn’t limited to this one-off limited edition. It’s very much in evidence with upcoming Jaguar models like the 2019 Jaguar I-PACE, with its electric powertrain. It’s also related to other new models’ use of high tech infotainment and navigation systems like the ones you’ll find in the 2018 Jaguar F-TYPE and the Jaguar E-PACE.

We aren’t known for pomp, circumstance, or stone-faced guards at Jaguar Peabody. But the drivers we’ve served with vehicle sales and Jaguar service over the years will attest to the fact that we treat everyone like royalty. Why not visit us at 247 Newbury St. today?