It was once the fastest car in the world. It still serves as an icon, not only for Britain, but also for the Jaguar brand. Of course, I'm talking about the Jaguar E-Type. Until now, the world of resto-modded E-types has been fairly limited. There have been some stand-outs, but none that have truly catered to the art of owning a daily-drivable classic E-Type.TopSpeed | Garret DonahueJaguar E-Type ECD is a design firm located in the USA, but with its founders originating from the Midlands, England. This is just some 40 miles from where the iconic Land Rover Defender was originally produced at the Lode Lane factory. ECD has become famous for modifying and rebuilding original defenders. Now, though, their business has expanded and now includes the gorgeous Jaguar E-Type models we were able to experience on the beautiful California coastline for an exclusive first drive.In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from an exclusive first drive with ECD in Malibu, California. All images were captured using a Z6III mirrorless camera provided by Nikon. An Option For Daily Driving Grey ECD E-type Front 3/4 viewIt's not every day you see the legendary Jaguar E-Type driving along, but ECD aims to remedy that tragic reality. In order to do this, ECD had to make a host of changes when resto-modding their 1973 E-Type. It may look like a tastefully re-styled body, but underneath lies a formidable, yet familiar beast. ECD has given the Series 3 Coupe a GM LT1 Smallblock V-8 straight out of a C7 Corvette. That means this is a 1973 Jag with 460 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Before the purists flip out, let me be the first to reassure everyone that, no, it doesn't feel particularly "Jaguar" at all. What it does feel, though, is unique. Looks The Part, But Functions As New TopSpeed | Garret DonahueECD's LT1-powered coupe retains the classic E-Type Coupe look, but with modern amenities like LED lighting, functional retro-style gauges, and an upgraded sound system with Apple CarPlay support. Climate control has been modernized. The creature comforts are all there, but you'd barely notice aside from the automatic gear shifter, and the projectors in the headlights. It has 16-inch wire wheels that look as if they came with the original E-Type, but are specially made to be wider so that ECD could fit modern Michelin summer tires. From afar, it looks like a barely modified Jaguar, but up close and when interacting with it, the ECD Series 3 Coupe is nothing short of the most extraordinary daily driver. Goes Like Hell An E-Type shouldn't be this quick, but there we were, zooming along the California coast with an engine that is so under-stressed in this car at any speed. It's a 10-speed automatic, which isn't new, but it makes the car so much more manageable. These folks did a great job of giving the LT1 E-Type a unique engine note too, with a special, hand-crafted exhaust system. It was made to resemble the original optional exhaust for the V-12 car. I wasn't convinced until I hustled it through the canyons and realized this was a very different experience than, say, a Camaro SS with an LT1. It sounds more like a classic, which I never thought possible. Make Every Drive A Special Occasion Green ECD E-type GTO Front 3/4 view A Stunning Work Of Art The ECD Series 2 GTO E-Type is nothing short of breathtaking. The metallic British Racing Green paint is piercing in the sunlight. As is the Lucente Hercules antique brown interior. Because it is so open without the removable top in place, your eyes constantly shuffle between the striking color combination of the exterior and interior.Then you start to notice the details. The special bumper-delete front end. The round center marker lights, the wide body, and hand-crafted wheels, made specifically for the ECD E-Type. The mirrors had to be top-mounted on the fenders, as per the customer's request. The extended hood vents are a completely new design, yet appear to be appropriate for the period. It was also mandatory to have a triple wiper set-up for the windshield, not that they would actually help in a downpour, but aesthetically, they are brilliant.Every moment driving the GTO Series 2 was a thrill, one that made the price tag worth it Past And Present Perfected In order to make a project like the GTO exist, ECD had to draw inspiration from some of the greatest elements of E-Type from every series. A specific combination of parts, mixed with some of today's best innovations in automotive construction, all add up to a recipe that is unique, but undoubtedly a very special E-Type.Like the Series 3 Coupe, the GTO has all the usual ECD refinements, like modern instruments, AC, a heavily upgraded sound system (although with that engine I'm not sure it's necessary), and even heated seats, since the car will most likely exist topless for most of its life. The dashboard and door cards were specifically fabricated to create an original-like look, but in a way that elevates this specific build, while accommodating for the newer hardware. Classic Style, Modern Reliability Green and grey ECD E-type variants Engines Like No Other Whether you choose ECD's version of the trusty GM LT1, or opt for the more brutal, but proper Super Sport Stroker 6.8-liter Jaguar V-12, you can't go wrong. The LT1 has proven itself in countless vehicle builds besides the great ones it can be found in from GM factories. Known for its reliability, torque-rich nature, unique sound, and compactness, the LT1 is difficult to fault. Personally, I'd have to go with the V-12 in this case. It's loud and angry, powerful, yet sophisticated.Every moment driving the GTO Series 2 was a thrill, one that made the price tag worth it. It has performance-focused cams, a forged crank, among other forged internals. It has polished aluminum stack intakes, which also serve as a talking piece when they aren't producing one of the most wonderful V-12 howls I've ever heard. The 5-speed Tremec transmission that comes mated to the V-12 is engaging, too.TopSpeed | Garret Donahue It all comes together to create an experience unlike anything else, in a car that's truly one of the most majestic things on the road. Both cars are quick, smooth-riding, and just plain exciting to experience from behind the wheel. The luxury resto-mod world is only growing, and from what I've just seen, there are at least two very compelling reasons to give ECD a shot at making your E-Type dreams come true.It's difficult to put a price on such a special vehicle, but ECD reckons the Series 3 Coupe with the LT1 is worth $399,000. The Series 2 GTO is priced a bit higher, and by a bit, I mean significantly. The asking price is $599,000, which someone has very willingly sprung for. To have exactly what you want part-by-part with a bespoke engine in a car as important as the E-Type, its sky-high price may not actually be the tallest of orders.