Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 888592
Engine No. ZA2982-9
As its name suggests, the E-Type was at one time planned to be an
evolution of the legendary Le Mans-winning D-Type sports racer -
plans that were scrapped in 1956 amidst Jaguar's increased focus on
building road-going sports cars and saloons, followed by the
termination of its works racing program in the same year.
Nevertheless, William Lyons and William Heyes were cognizant of the
value that competition success would bring to a new model and
continued work on a two-seater sports car prototype in Jaguar's
Experimental Department. In 1957, a prototype dubbed E1A, often
referred to as the first E-Type, made its first proper test runs
around Browns Lane, followed by a second prototype leaving the
factory gates in February 1960 as E2A.
Enter Briggs Cunningham - influential American racing driver, team
owner, and constructor who had campaigned factory-prepared Jaguar
D-Types in the SCCA Championships of 1956 and 1957. Cunningham, who
needed a suitable car for the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans, flew to
Coventry at the behest of Jaguar to test E2A, and ultimately left
with an agreement to campaign the prototype at the grueling 24-hour
race. Although E2A retired on lap 89 with a head gasket failure,
Cunningham's promising results in major professional road races on
the West Coast with E2A were enough to convince Jaguar to deliver
Lightweight Competition cars to customers ahead of model's official
debut in March 1961.
This E-Type Competition-Style Coupe began life as a left-hand drive
Series 1 3.8-liter Fixed Head Coupe before its remarkable
transformation to competition specification by Classic Showcase of
Oceanside, California. The mostly complete, Opalescent Maroon
E-Type acted as an excellent starting point for the ambitious
restoration, which commenced in 2011 and was completed a year later
in 2012. The project incorporated a number of highly desirable
components inspired by the original Lightweight Competition
E-Types, including a five-speed manual transmission, Dunlop alloy
wheels secured with knock-off hubs, and enclosed Aston Martin
headlamps and spotlights. The period-correct, although non-matching
3.8-liter six-cylinder engine was also brought up to competition
specification thanks to triple Weber carburetors with intake
trumpets, an electric cooling fan, a Redline intake manifold,
long-tube exhaust headers, and a Bell stainless steel exhaust
system. To help cope with the car's increased speeds, GAZ
adjustable shock absorbers and Wilwood disc brakes were fitted at
all four corners. The interior, trimmed in tan leather hides,
complements the attractive period-appropriate dark blue exterior
and boasts sports seats equipped with Beams safety belts.
Restored to exacting standards with the coveted factory Lightweight
Competition E-Types acting as inspiration, this E-Type Series 1 3.8
Competition-Style Coupe is highly eligible for numerous historic
racing events and is offered with its operator's manual, full-size
wire spare, jack kit, and knock off mallet.
