Lot 027: 1962 JAGUAR E-TYPE 3.8 LIGHTWEIGHT ROADSTER EVOCATION

One of the great motoring icons of the last century, Jaguar`s E-type is a car that has always inspired loyalty and devotion. Born out of the fabulous D-type racer, the newcomer soon acquired a strong competition heritage of its own (as witnessed by Briggs Cunningham and Roy Salvadori`s strong drive to 4th overall in the 1962 Le Mans 24-hours). Faster and mnore glamorous than virtually all its production rivals, it put many so called `sportscars` to shame at its 1961 Geneva Motorshow launch. Certainly few could live with its reputed 150mph top speed or the savage acceleration that allowed it to touch 60mph in less than 7 seconds. In an age when decent family saloon could call upon its engine for 65bhp, the E-type`s 3781cc, DOHC, straight six claimed an additional 200bhp. While Ferrari`s lauded 250GT SWB and 250 GTO made do with live rear axles, the E-type utilised a sophisticated independent rear set up with inboard rear disc brakes. Rack and pinion steering enabled the driver to make the most of the monocoque chassis excellent road holding and handling, putting it light years ahead of American designs like the Corvette. Finished in white with blue longitudinal stripes and dark blue upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good overall" condition. Beginning life as a fixed-head coupe, '4915 NE' was reportedly converted to its current E-type Lightweight look-a-like configuration for a well known BRDC member and Le Mans driver at a cost "in excess of £30,000". Riding on Dunlop pattern peg-drive alloy wheels (complete with three-eared 42mm spinners), the car also sports a lightweight-style vented hard top and boot lid, Perspex headlamp covers and Le Mans-style front sill darts. Extensively overhauled and converted to dry-sump lubrication, the 3.8 litre engine is said to produce "over 240bhp on the rolling road" thanks in part to its triple Weber carburettors, Lynx manifold and full stainless steel exhaust system. Equipped with a five-speed close ratio gearbox and upgraded braking system (larger discs, better callipers etc), the Jaguar further boasts an uprated fuel pump, modern alternator, twin cooling fans and various fibreglass panels. While to the interior, occupants are cocooned by a full roll cage and four-point harnesses. Deemed by the seller to be a "superb motorcar" that has been "set-up for comfortable road or rally use rather than as a flat out racer", this stunning E-type is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until March 20th 2008.