KISSIMMEE, Fla. — When you’ve ever dipped a toe into the restomod world earlier than, there’s a very good probability you’ve heard of the Florida-based firm ECD. Initially referred to as East Coast Defender for the corporate’s earliest efforts restomodding Land Rover Defenders, it’s now simply “ECD Auto Design.” That’s as a result of there’s a complete lot extra than simply Defenders being cranked out of the workshop today.
And whereas we’ve already pushed its Land Rover choices within the Defender and Vary Rover Basic, immediately it’s time to take the corporate’s newest creation for a spin: the ECD Jaguar E-Sort. ECD introduced its foray into the E-Sort world a few yr and a half in the past, and by the point we confirmed up, it’d already produced seven restored and/or closely modified E-Sorts.
Earlier than we get too far into first impressions, although, some historical past. The E-Sort, formally referred to as the XK-E right here within the states, was produced between 1961 and 1974. It was a bombshell of a sports activities automobile when new, touting spectacular efficiency for a strong value from each its inline-six and V12 engines. Jaguar went via three important iterations of the XK-E earlier than wrapping up gross sales right here: Collection I, Collection II and Collection III. And whereas ECD has restored a Collection I, it’s specializing in the extra broadly obtainable (and extra reasonably priced) Collection II automobiles for this mission. The E-Sort was obtainable as a coupe or convertible, and whereas ECD is permitting you to stay with both of the unique powertrains for restoration builds, it’s additionally providing some somewhat tempting swaps.
If there’s one thing it’s best to find out about ECD, it’s that this firm loves a very good American V8. You’ll discover an LS- or LT-based Normal Motors V8 in most of its Defender builds, and that’s precisely what ECD is providing within the E-Sort, too. GM’s 450-horsepower LT1 will be plopped below the lengthy hood of the E-Sort must you wish to flip it right into a tire-destroying muscle machine. On the opposite finish of the spectrum is an electrical conversion choice, which is the E-Sort variant we acquired to drive.
Earlier than you scream “sacrilege!” we received’t bury the lede on this one: An all-electric E-Sort is definitely a hoot to drive. Admittedly, what makes it enjoyable to drive can be what makes different modern-day sports activities automobiles enjoyable to drive. It’s light-weight at simply 2,940 kilos (that’s 60 kilos lower than the V8-powered model), includes a 51/49 weight steadiness, has a 305-horsepower motor doling out energy solely to the rear wheels … and you may take the roof off! As we speak’s EVs, even the smaller ones, are significantly heavier than this one. Additionally, whereas Porsche is prepping its electrical Boxster, you merely can’t exit and purchase a brand new electrical convertible sports activities automobile, as a result of they don’t exist.
In fact, this EV is gentle and massively characterful to drive as a result of it’s fairly actually an E-Sort from the Seventies that’s had its inline-six coronary heart ripped out. There are not any rules or crash requirements it wants to stick to, so that you’re left with what is basically a “new” E-Sort, however higher. And we do imply higher, too, as a result of ECD will set up an upgraded suspension and braking system for extra fashionable (and safer) dynamics. The trip is an effective bit stiffer than an everyday E-Sort, however the physique management and roll resistance is way improved, lending better confidence when driving it with vigor. You’ll nonetheless want to make use of a good quantity of lock from the fragile picket steering wheel to get turning motion, however this electrical E-Sort genuinely feels gentle on its toes and balanced while you swing it left or proper. The brakes do a barely worse job of masquerading as fashionable efficiency automobile brakes, however they’re nonetheless higher than what inventory brakes from the Sixties or Seventies will provide you with. Plus, you may flip the regenerative braking on or off relying on whether or not you need the automobile to mechanically decelerate when you raise off the throttle – ECD says it’s engaged on a one-pedal drive mode for future builds, too.
Slamming the throttle brings the instant-on shove of a efficiency EV, and the corresponding electrical whine you may hear with the roof off is entertaining. We’d guess the 0-60 mph time is correct round 5 seconds because it stands with the 305-horsepower motor, however ECD says it’s engaged on growing a extra highly effective 450-horsepower electrical motor for many who need even higher acceleration. After driving the E-Sort round at its present energy degree, although, we’re left questioning if extra energy would make the expertise any higher. The E-Sort was utilized in racing a few years in the past, however as a highway automobile, this quantity of energy with its corresponding suspension and braking capabilities feels completely in steadiness.
As for areas of enchancment, ECD says it’s consistently working with its battery provider Ampere EV to fine-tune the software program and enhance battery efficiency (we really misplaced drive momentarily on our take a look at route because of a software program glitch, however a fast cycle of the important thing had us again up and operating usually). The 42-kilowatt-hour battery pack itself – the one dimension choice – matches snugly below the E-Sort’s lengthy clamshell hood, whereas the motor and operating gear route their approach again via the chassis. ECD claims its electrical E-Sort can do about 200 miles of metropolis driving or 140 miles of freeway driving.
You may recharge it at a DC quick charger with a CCS plug, and it prices at a most fee of fifty kW, permitting you to go from 0-100% in about 45 minutes. That’s very sluggish by fashionable EV requirements, however maybe acceptable for a restomod that appears unlikely to enterprise off on many prolonged highway journeys. ECD says that by the tip of 2024, it’ll assist Tesla’s NACS plug, however of us who take supply of their E-Sorts between at times will likely be given adapters, and finally the corporate will set up NACS ports in its automobiles.
The way in which ECD restores and builds its E-Sorts is just a little completely different from its Defender manufacturing line, too. The Land Rovers primarily preserve their frames and a few key drivetrain elements, however moreover these bits, they’re totally new autos with new components. The E-Sorts are as an alternative restorations, retaining as a lot of the unique automobile as potential. ECD should purchase new physique panels instantly from Jaguar, and it retains the outside trying about as trustworthy to its unique type as will be. That’s the place the originality of the looks ends, although. The colours, upholstery, trim and just about something to do with the looks will be personalized to your coronary heart’s content material. The entire automobiles are painted and put collectively on-site in Kissimmee, Fla., after which examined for a number of hundred miles earlier than they’re finally delivered to clients across the nation. In a phrase, the tip merchandise are stunning. Then once more, that is an E-Sort. When has that ever not been the case?
Pricing for the E-Sort restoration begins at $299,995 and solely goes up from there relying on no matter luxurious or powertrain choices you could select. The tip product is basically a brand-new E-Sort with no matter type of motivation excites you. We will vouch for the electrical model being nice enjoyable to drive, however an LT4 boomed by us whereas visiting the positioning, and it’s almost as tempting.
And don’t fear, traditionalists. ECD is comfortable to revive (and even enhance) the unique inline-six or V12 that these E-Sorts got here with from the manufacturing unit. Nevertheless, the corporate warns that you just’re in for a completely completely different upkeep expertise over the lifetime of the automobile must you cross up the fashionable powertrains.
Irrespective of the selection, a brand-new E-Sort constructed to those requirements is a few forbidden fruit that only a few builders on the planet may give you.
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