A few months ago we brought you a story of six very interesting “new” models that Jaguar were planning to build (see below for the original story).
Now, the skilled artisans at Brown’s Lane have revealed a prototype of the six brand new E-type models. Each car will be painstakingly hand-built, from aluminium, to specification originated from the last Lightweight E-type produced in 1964. The prototype will make its public debut on August 14 at the Pebble Beach event on the west coast of the United States.
Jaguar’s E-Type is considered by many to be one of the prettiest cars ever designed. Among the more rare versions of this sexy coupe are the race-bred lightweight versions. And now the English firm is going to build six perfect reproductions of the original, created in 1963.
The Lightweights were homologated for GT competition by being designated a ‘standard’ roadster E-Type fitted with a number of options. Those options varied from car to car, but the main differences included all-aluminium monocoque and aluminium body panels, aluminium-block, wide-angle head, dry-sumped 3,8-litre XK engine with fuel injection, and aluminium hardtop. These specials weighed roughly 114 kg less than standard E-Type models.
A dozen cars were originally produced to go racing – 11 are thought to still survive today, one owned most notably by Red Bull Racing designer, Adrian Newey – and a further six were originally planned. The remaining six designated chassis numbers having lain dormant, until now.
The new cars will be hand-built in-house by Jaguar craftsmen. Each car will be constructed to the exact specifications of the originals, down to the straight-six engine.
Jaguar expects high demand for the six Lightweight E-Types. Established Jaguar collectors, especially those with historic race-car interests, will be prioritised amongst those potential customers who express interest.
