Description:

Jaguar E-type 'Lightweight' - Factory Built (1963)

In 2014, Jaguar picked up where they left off in the 1960s and produced an additional six examples of the revered Lightweight E-types. However, that number did not include this E-type, “Car 0,” the first such Lightweight built for promotional use by Jaguar Classic. Not “replicas,” these were brand-new cars built as the originals had been, using the original engineering blueprints and designs as well as much of the original materials and methods. Further, the cars were given chassis numbers not utilised in the original production—thus “completing” the Lightweight E-type model run. Needless to say, the project drew a great deal of attention, and the Jaguars were eagerly snapped up by private collectors.

The new Lightweight E-type (LWE) was based on a unibody built by JLR of Whitley, England, and fully wrapped in aluminium panels, which reduces its weight by 250 pounds over the production steel bodies; the shell was reproduced using detailed scans of an original lightweight body. The grade of aluminium and the forming methods were both the same used in the 1960s. It is important to note that while techniques such as high-strength aluminium alloys and bonded structures are now available and could have been used, they intentionally were not, as they would have invalidated the cars for historic racing events. To that end, a roll cage was mounted as standard equipment. The only components uprated have been for safety and durability, such as later oil and water temperature gauges and Willans safety harnesses.

The engine was a Crosthwaite & Gardiner–built 3.8-liter inline-six with an aluminium block with steel liners, significantly reducing weight over the front wheels, and featuring a “wide-angle” aluminium head, dry-sump lubrication system, and either fuel injection or three Weber 45DCOE carburettors. Jaguar quoted over 300 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 rpm, delivered to the rear axle via a close-ratio, fully synchronized four-speed transmission and single-plate clutch.

Additional lightweight mechanical components included the radiator, oil cooler, and expansion tank for the coolant. The suspension was fitted with upgraded shock absorbers, controlling the front torsion bars and rear coil springs, while steering is handled by a stock E-type rack-and-pinion system. Larger 12.25-inch brake discs were mounted at the front, while the perforated 15-inch-diameter wheels were correctly cast of magnesium.

The LWE offered here is equipped with a 3.8-liter, six-cylinder engine with triple Weber carburettors and “wide-angle” cylinder head. This car was utilised by Jaguar Classic as a North American press car, widely seen in promotional materials and magazines as well as at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion on the Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations stand. Afterwards, it was returned to the factory and rebuilt to “new” condition prior to delivery. Its first owner used only gently and occasionally and covered just 700 miles.

Acquired by DK Engineering in 2021, the car was sent to be race prepared with ADP Classic Racing. To begin with, the car was analysed and inspected to understand what works needed to be carried out to prepare the car for competition use. As a factory-built continuation, this example has received dispensation to compete in Peter Auto and GTSCC amongst other series.

The works at ADP Classic Racing spanned 6 months and totalled £160,000; with the engine and parts taking up just over £60,000. The thorough works carried out put this E-type as a front-running race car; with a fully rebuilt engine to lightweight specification; alloy block, wide angle head and dry sump as well as a weight-saving endeavour to get it right down to the specified weight limit, as stipulated by GTSCC.

Available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately, this example likely presents as the sole fully race-prepared Jaguar E-type Lightweight continuation. Furthermore, this example is now fully UK road registered, accompanied by a period-correct 1963 V5C Certificate

 

Website:

https://www.dkeng.co.uk/ferrari-sales/1769/blue_chip_competition_cars/jaguar_e_type_lightweight_factory_built.html

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Jaguar E-type 'Lightweight' - Factory Built (1963)