Classic Motor Cars is a restoration business in Bridgnorth, UK, that specializes in rebuilding Jaguar E-types.
“We work on E-types every day of the week,” said managing director Nigel Woodward. “Owners are constantly asking for extras for their cars like bespoke picnic hampers and luggage or specific upgrades. It occurred to me that we should provide something for the owners themselves.”
Woodward also is a private pilot and had seen jewelry that Icarus Originals, in nearby Shrewsbury, had produced from aircraft parts, so he contacted Icarus about doing jewelry for E-type owners.
The initial result is cufflinks made from the original aluminum pistons for a 1961 Jaguar Series 1 fixed-head coupe.
Icarus was founded by John Mercer and Alan Lock, former Royal Air Force and Royal Navy engineers. They have done previous work using pieces from everything from the last flying Vulcan to the Concorde.
“Although this is our first foray into automotive heritage, when you look at first rate classics like the Series 1 E-Type, they share all the same design qualities as aviation icons such as the Concorde; a sense of purpose, potency and beauty,” said Mercer.
Woodward said the cufflinks are only the start, and that the partners are considering jewelry for women in the future.
The E-type cufflinks will be produced in a series of 750 sets, packaged in a mahogany box and sold for £169.99 ($210) by Icarus Originals.