E-Type UK, a brand that’s well known for restoring classic Jaguar E-Types with utmost precision has decided to take a different path with the announcement of the new brand “Unleased.” This new sub-brand won’t only restore classic Jaguar E-Types, but will bring them into the modern world via a hefty list of updates that some purists might find a little offensive. Of course, if you keep an open mind, you’ll find that Unleashed is doing something pretty cool.

The first Unleashed model is based on the E-Type Series 3, and as you can see from the pictures we have here, this car looks every bit like a classic E-Type, albeit with a few exterior enhancements, like the wrap-around chrome, custom made grille, and the new badging. More chrome can be found around back, and you can’t ignore the new 16-inch wheels, either.

Basic enhancements inside help the cabin feel more luxurious, including the new aluminum center console, updated and custom-made leather seats, and the piano black dashboard. Beyond this, however, is where the controversy really comes into play. See, this classic E-Type is a lot more modern than you’d expect, even if you don’t notice at first glance. Modern enhancements include an engine start button, electric windows, Bluetooth connectivity, surround sound speakers, a heated windshield, and a complete air conditioning system. If you’re able to get past that, the powertrain under the hood will really get you excited.

The original 5.3-liter V-12 has been re-engineered and each of the 12 cylinders bored out, pushing the 272 horsepower of the early 1970s to a health 400 horsepower. Displacement has obviously grown, with the engine now displacing 6.1-liters vs. 5.3-liters. The engine is also mated to a new five-speed manual gearbox and features a bespoke chassis with a completely new steering, suspension, and brake setup.

As you can imagine, an Unleashed E-Type Series 3 doesn’t come cheap. The program starts at £325,000 or about $512,825 at current exchange rates. And, by the way, that doesn’t include the suitable doner car, which according to Classic.com can get quite expensive. The lowest sale ever was $13,200 while the highest price is $254,252. The most recent sale commanded $87,319. Is a modernized E-Type Series 3 worth well beyond a half-million bones? You tell us what you think in the comments section below!