While cameras focused on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their wedding last weekend, gearheads couldn't help but notice the special silver blue Jaguar E-Type.
Travel Arrangements
At first glance, the royal couple's vehicle of choice, while considered by most as a stunning model given its original release in 1968, did not really impress a lot of people. The groom reportedly drove his bride from Windsor Castle to Frogmore House to continue the festivities with the evening reception.
Vintage car enthusiasts cannot help but marvel at its immaculate condition and a small detail with its number plate. Many have failed to figure out that the numbers are actually the date of the event (E190518).
The Green Initiative
Meanwhile, another detail, which is a little harder to notice, was eventually revealed to the public. A few sources privy to the Royal Wedding's intricacies revealed that the silver blue Jaguar E-Type driven by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is one of a kind. It is one of the unconventional few that runs on electric power instead of a regular gas engine.
Last year, the carmaker offered a special service called Concept Zero, which aims to restore and convert existing models into green supercars. The industry supposedly called it the "ultimate in upcycling" due to the cost and effort it entails to take a vintage automobile and rework everything to go green.
The service was apparently the idea of Tim Hannig, the company chief, who noted that it might not appeal to purists. However, it is an option that could attract an elite few who are concerned about their carbon footprint.
Service Costs And Labor
Sources report that the project costs an estimated $400,000 which is by no means an affordable option. The particular model used by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is a Series 1.5 version of the British supercar. Collectors claim that it was even once described by Enzo Ferrari to be "the most beautiful car in the world."
The magic happens with the help of Jaguar Land Rover Classic, the British automaker's heritage division based in Coventry in the West Midlands. Qualified engineers take out the original 3.8-liter XK engine and replace it with an electric motor with an output rating of 295 horsepower.
Just like the silver blue Jaguar E-Type featured during Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, Concept Zero converted models boast an equivalent performance as the original.
During its original launch in 1961, the vehicle was considered the world's fastest production car. It is capable of a top speed of 150mph and a 0-60mph time of just 5.5 seconds. It can travel an estimated total of 170 miles on a full tank.
