Jaguar E-type (1963)

At its reveal at the Geneva Motorshow in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type caused quite a stir, a beautiful 150mph car available at half the price of an Aston Martin. Manufactured by Jaguar between 1961 and 1975, a combination of good looks, high performance, and competitive pricing ensured the car was an instant legend. In period, a Ferrari cost three times more and supplied less horsepower which established the E-Type as an icon not just of 1960s motoring but of British culture. The model became a great success for Jaguar; at its release Enzo Ferrari called it "The most beautiful car ever made". The model was made in three distinct versions which are now generally referred to as "Series 1", "Series 2" and "Series 3". A transitional series between Series 1 and Series 2 is known, unofficially, as "Series 1½". For collectors today, the earlier cars are the most desirable.

As successful as the E-Type was with consumers, it was perhaps even more significant when it arrived at the track. The race car’s aluminium bodywork, independent suspension and disc brakes were evocative of the D-Type before it and were still incredibly advanced at the time. This made the E-Type a very well performing car, and it underwent several racing guises. The E-Type racing legacy began with the Low Drag Coupe and was followed by twelve, now eighteen, factory lightweights. Unfortunately, Jaguar did not fully commit to any 1960s racing endeavours, but thanks to third party efforts both in period and more recently, the E-type has a continued legacy not only as a stylistic and cultural icon, but also as a staple model in any historic racing paddock.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.

This E-type was converted through the winter of 2008/9 to the semi-lightweight form it presents in today. Restored from the ground up, this example now benefits from elegant Opalescent Dark Blue coachwork over an oxblood red leather interior. With a power plant built by renowned marque specialists, Sigma Engineering, this semi-lightweight E-type benefits from a narrow angle head on an iron block, complete with triple 48 Weber carburettors and a wet sump.

Recently converted to full race specification, although retaining all parts needed to be road legal, this E-type has been used most recently as an introduction to historic motorsport. Sold twice by DK Engineering before, this example has competed in two seasons of Equipe Libre, where the car made regular appearances near the top of the timesheets and on the podium.

Run by the specialists Pursuit Racing, this example has had over £200,000 spent on it since 2020, including tireless and comprehensive maintenance as well as a full gearbox and differential rebuild.

The engine setup affords the car a healthy 275bhp at the wheels, or circa 325-335bhp at the flywheel. Demonstrating a near peak in torque quite low down, this E-type offers a linear torque delivery after 2000rpm, offering great usability and drivability.

The build specification includes:

• Full ‘semi-lightweight’ specification with thin aluminium lightweight bonnet, doors, bootlid and hardtop
• Full race engine by Sigma Engineering
• Recently rebuilt differential
• New oil cooler
• Pursuit race suspension set up
• Aeroquip fuel lines
• Running legal MSD
• Tillet race seat
• Straight through and silenced options
• New quick-release steering wheel and boss
• Repainted for 2023

Accompanied by fresh FIA papers, an extensive spares package including spare wheels, this E-type provides the opportunity to own a race proven semi-lightweight conversion, which also could easily be reverted to an enjoyable and presentable road car. It is available for viewings by appointment only.