Lot 159: Jaguar E-Type Special

This is a very unique Jaguar. It is one of a pair that was built in America in the 1960s by a Jaguar specialist. The car was commissioned by an American racing driver, Joe Harwood, who wanted a left hand drive D Type. It was modified further with the addition of the fin and the removal of bright work such as bumpers and windscreen. For many years it was raced until its retirement in the late 1980s when it was sold to a private collector. They were originally built as XKSS's and based on an E Type. This car started life as a Series 1 E Type but re bodied to follow the lines of the XKSS which at the time was in great demand. The monocoque tub was cut down and modified while the front and rear suspension and running gear were kept original and the correct style for the period. Much of the trim including seats and instruments are also original. A short stroke high revving 2.4 litre XK engine was fitted and bored to three litres and fitted with a turbo charger. The owner notes that the power produced is 'interesting' The car was restored during 2003 and finished in 2005, along with a high quality repaint in 2007. The engine was totally stripped to bare bones and completely re-built with a high pressure oil pump, new pistons and special camshafts built specifically by Piper. The gearbox is an all syncro from a Series 2 E Type. The car sits on replica Dunlop alloy wheels and the exhaust system is minimal, which sounds fantastic. A separate exhaust system with silencer is supplied. The owner reports that it drives and handles beautifully being light and well balanced. The car recently competed in the Swiss hillclimb Ollon-Villars where it performed well with no noticeable faults. Finished in British Racing Green with a brown interior the car is described as being in good condition throughout with the engine, chassis and body work all in excellent order. A UK registration document and MoT test certificate are supplied with the car.