Beacham XKE

Introduction

The Most Iconic Model Jaguar Ever Built

Perhaps no other car from its era is as recognised – and desired – as the Jaguar E-Type roadster (or XKE, as it was known in America). First introduced in 1961 the E-Type was an immediate sensation. It has a unique shape that owes nothing to anything previous – except of course the iconic Le Mans winning D-type racer. It is a mix of traditions with its lovely oval grille, rounded lines, and long nose. Enzo Ferrari himself declared it to be the most beautiful car ever conceived.

The Beacham XKE

“What we’ve done with this car, is to give an E-type Jaguar the total functionality of a new XKR”.

– Dr. Greg Beacham, Founder and Chief

The Beacham Jaguar XKE is destined for the classic enthusiast who requires reliability along with modern technology and all the mod cons. Plus a serious fun factor.

First of all it must be said that the Beacham Jaguar XKE is very rapid transit, 0-60 mph in around six seconds fast. Plus it features superb steering and handling. All because it has been re-engineered from the wheels up and the workmanship is exceptional.

Externally it looks very familiar, the only real giveaways for the sharp-eyed are the contemporary Jaguar mirrors and door handles, the air scoop under the front bumper, and the bigger Jaguar competition tires and chrome wire wheels. (The latter are genuine, and original, Jaguar factory options.) However it is beneath the skin, and inside the cabin where the most obvious visual changes are to be found. Under the bonnet the Beacham Jaguar XKE is crammed full of technology: ABS brakes, traction control, anti-dive suspension geometry and more.

But it is the interior where the achievement really hits home. Trimmed in supple new leather, the modern seats have many of the power controls from the current Jaguar. Included is a full complement of comfort and safety systems: Power-adjustable Steering Wheel; Climate Control and Power Windows of course, even the SRS/Airbag Systems. Topped off with a premium sound system and GPS, all is joy set into a bespoke polished wood veneer dash.

A new subframe was devised to house the XKR V8 and front suspension. The integration of the mechanical components has to be considered a remarkable engineering feat. Underneath the car is a work of art. The stainless-steel exhaust system, with its cross balance pipes, is of the highest order and everywhere there are signs of the closest attention to detail. But exchanging modern technology for old is more than fabricating new engine mounts and rerouting exhaust systems.

As Beacham have pushed the technical specification further and further they’ve also had to make quantum leaps in coming to grips with the electronics – now one of the most vital aspects of any high performance/luxury car.

Combining the electronic demands of modern engines, transmissions and systems such as airbags and ABS with existing electronics was a startling achievement for a small manufacturer. Beacham have put 5 years of hard development behind them to produce the current models. The Beacham Jaguar XKE pushes that mechanical and electronic envelope all the way to its logical conclusion – a completely new car.

The result is a revelation to drive.

Jam the throttle pedal and there’s a nuclear blast of power. No hint of wheelspin – traction control calms any whiff of that – just a clean, clear blast of raw acceleration. First, second, third, and fourth gears come and go, smoothly, on the inexorable journey to top.

Soon you’re heading for the stars!

The Beacham CFE

Beacham Special Vehicles has revealed the latest chapter in its longstanding history as the company responsible for restoring and producing luxury, high performance classic cars. Dubbed the CFE, the car pays homage to the ethos of the Jaguar E-type with flared guards, enclosed headlights and aerodynamics based on the respective series one and series three E-type models. The car is a result of an intensive development program to produce the world’s first and most powerful Beacham Special Vehicle to date and promises to be a true light weight classic supercar.

Motivations behind this intensive program are in response to significant customer demand for the E-type. Original examples for the series one E-type have become scarce, much more expensive, and requires intensive time to restore to original concourse condition. The main objective of the CFE development program was to develop a reliable, lightweight classic supercar that paid homage to the elegance of the original styling people hold true to the E-Type.

Building A Superior E-Type Chassis

With a carbon fibre chassis, titanium “A” pillars and lightweight aluminium doors and boot lid, the CFE is expected to tip the scales at just over 1,300kg, making it more than 200kg lighter than a V8 Supercar.

“BSV have used latest computer design technology to build a body weighing only 120 kg, but with twice the torsional rigidity of the original body shell. The inner sills shrink to half the original width and body is capable of absorbing 20G on the front, 5G on the side and 4G at the rear. Cast titanium windscreen pillars give good A pillar strength and carbon fibre detachable hard top 2G roll over capability.”

– Dr. Greg Beacham, Founder and Chief

The CFE shares the suspension set up and geometry of the Jaguar F-type, with the front end sitting on springs specifically designed for the CFE, and a double wishbone suspension completes the rear. The supercharged V8 engine will hand the car its performance capability. The combination of light weight technology and 510BHP will enable acceleration to 100kmh in less than 4 seconds. Direct injection technology provides instant acceleration and controlled torque delivery through an electronic differential. An all-wheel drive option is available depending on the customers’ requirements.

The sky is the limit when it comes to customer requirements. Built bespoke, each customer can choose their colour scheme and level of specification for their CFE. Engine options include Jaguar’s 3.0 litre V6 Supercharged or 5.0 litre V8 Supercharged with a manual or automatic transmission. Further enhancements can be made to add visual carbon fibre and detailing. The modern generation of drivers demand the latest technology. The CFE promises a cabin finished in genuine leather with unrivalled safety, comfort and intuitive controls that are expected from a modern road car.

And so, Beacham have done it again, the CFE is its own brand embodying the Beacham heritage, with a focus on carbon fibre technology, enhanced aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement.

Standard Specifications

Feature	Specification
Engine	V8 5.0 Supercharged 550HP
Transmission	6 & 8 Speed electronic automatic transmission with Sequential Shift Steering wheel mounted shift paddles Jaguar rotary Drive Selector
Steering	Electric Power Steering Rack & Pinion, Adjustable firmness
Suspension	Front – double wishbone with coil over shocks Rear – double wishbone with coil over shocks Adjustable front & rear height Active Differential control (V8 S/C only)
Brakes	Anti-lock braking system (ABS) Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) Electric Parking Brake Black or Red Brake Callipers
Exhaust	Catalytic Convertors Stainless Steel Sport Exhaust
Safety Features	Remote Central locking with drive away locking Alarm & engine immobilizer Three-point seatbelts at all 5 seating positions
Driving Aids	Cruise control with Automatic Speed Limiter (ASL) Front & Rear Parking Aid sensors with Touch-screen visual indicators Rear View camera parking aid with guidance lines on display
Interior Features	14×14 way power front seats Heated and cooled front seats Steering column with electric adjustment for height and reach Multi-function steering wheel – heated, audio system controls, phone controls, cruise control Memory function with 3 settings for driver seat, exterior mirrors and steering column Dual Zone automatic climate control with air filtration and humidity sensing Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror Front and rear electric windows
Infotainment System	Virtual Instruments 12.3″ – LCD instrument cluster display 8″ Touch-screen – controls Audio, Navigation, Bluetooth climate control 825W Sound System, 10 speakers including 2 subwoofers Bluetooth for cell phone and audio streaming

Production

These bespoke vehicles are meticulously crafted, ensuring consistent high-quality workmanship. Expert design, planning, and build services result in a unique vehicle tailored to the owner’s specifications.

From start to finish, every detail of The Beacham CFE is pored over. See more details regarding the production process in Building The Beacham CFE.