The Guyson E12: A Radical Reinvention of a British Classic
The Guyson E12 is the result of a unique piece of engineering, building upon the renowned Jaguar E-Type. Combining advanced design with enhanced performance, the E12 reflects the same spirit of innovative engineering that has driven Guyson for generations.
In 1972, following damage to his Jaguar E-Type V12, Guyson's Managing Director, Jim Thomson saw an opportunity to create something truly unique. Commissioning the renowned designer William Towns, the project evolved into the Guyson E12, a bold reimagining of one of Britain's most iconic sports cars.
Towns got straight to work, starting by removing the damaged bonnet before coating the front and rear bodywork with clay to allow him to mould the bodywork into the unique design he envisioned. This process led to the distinctive shape of the E12, from which a set of fibreglass body panels were created and fitted to the car’s bodywork.
Once the bespoke design had been finalised the car was then passed onto Jaguar tuning expert Ron Beatty. He rebuilt the engine, achieving an impressive output of 345bhp through the addition of six 44mm Weber LDF carburettors. The inclusion of these carburettors required the notably redesigned bonnet, allowing them to protrude through.
The car was then returned to Jim Thomson, who was suitably impressed upon taking delivery. He then went on to drive the car for many years, attracting plenty of admiration, before eventually retiring it to the showroom here at Guyson. It remained there for many years before being lovingly restored in 2024 by race car specialists Hepworth International.
Skipton Car Show 2026
This month the Guyson E12 enjoyed a great outing to Skipton Car Show 2026. The car proved incredibly popular throughout the day, attracting many admirers and generating plenty of interest in its unique history. Thank you to everyone who took the time to visit and learn more about the car.