Lot 251: 1962 Jagaur E-type Lightweight

First exhibited at the Geneva Salon in March 1961, the Jaguar E-Type received immediate acclaim from the world's motoring press. Developed from Jaguar's highly successful D-Type, the new car incorporated monocoque construction and independent rear suspension, and was powered by the well known 3.8 litre XK power unit with an output of 265bhp. Maximum speed was 150mph with 0-100 mph acceleration in just over 16 seconds: a true word beater if ever there was one.By 1961 Jaguar had ceased to take part in motor racing but, ever mindful of the value of this form of publicity, they earmarked the first seven production cars (after Lofty England's car) to be specially prepared for racing according to Factory Project ZP 537/24, a written instuction from Chief Designer Claude Bailly to the Production Department. The seven competition E-Types were mildely modified to incorporate, amongst numerous chamges, a 9:1 compression ratio, lightened flywheel, competition clutch springs and a close ratio gearbox. These seven cars were sold to well knowm owners who would race them, with two going to John Coombs, two to Tommy Sopwiths's Equipe Endeavour, two to the newly formed Peter Berry Racing and the seventh to Sir Gawaine Baillie. This series one example was fantastically rebuilt to lightweight specification by Beacon Hill Garage between 2001 and 2003 on behalf of the current owner who then raced the car at Spa during September 2004.Finished in the very attractive color of Gunmetal Grey, the car is fully race prepared. Fitted with aluminium bonnet, doors, boot, rear wings and roof with perspex side windows. The car is fitted with full FIA roll cage, race harnessess, fire extinguisher, race exhaust system and adjustable Koni Shock absorbers. The 3.8 litre engine is powered by triple 45 DCOE Weber carburrettors putting out just over 300 Bhp and free flow exhaust system.The gearbox is a 5 speed with an A.P triple clutch and limited slip differential and the FIA fuel tank is large capacity alloy example allowing the car to take part in long distance races or long tours such as the Tour Auto. This car is ready to be used as a very exciting fast road car or as an equally exciting track car. The history file has a large collection of bills detailing the build of the car as well as its MSA Historic Technical passport, V5 and its MOT.An opportunity to purchase one of the most attractive cars ever to be produced and evocative of the original lightweight that dominated sports car racing then and historic racing now.