1964 Jaguar E-type FIA Lightweight Replica

Highlights

• Semi-Lightweight E-Type built by specialists
• Based on a left hand drive US car
• Complete with NOVA certificate and FIA HTP certificate
• Engine fully reconditioned with only 300 kilometres of use
• Full service & maintenance history
• Formerly owned by a renowned collector

General Description

In the 1950s, Jaguar were the dominant force in sports car racing. Models like the XK120 were dominant in road races, such as the XK120 driven to victory by Stirling Moss in the 1950 Dundrod TT, and the C-Type and D-type took a combined five Le Mans victories in the hands of the works team and privateers Ecurie Ecosse. Jaguar would announce the closure of their racing department in 1956, but this passion for racing would not stop there.

In 1961, Jaguar would unveil the E-type to the world at the Geneva Motor show and it took the world by storm. Orders flooded in and it became an immediate marker for every other sports car that came after it. However, others also saw it as the ideal car for competition. Two cars were entered in the GT Trophy race at Oulton Park in 1961, not long after the first few cars had been delivered, where Graham Hill won in one of the E-types, which was entered by Tommy Sopwith.

The competition history of the E-Type continued, with Briggs Cunningham and Roy Salvadori finishing a very respectable 4th overall in one of three privately entered E-Types at Le Mans in 1962. Jaguar would notice these results and start work on an E-Type specifically designed for the track.

In 1963, Jaguar would produced 12 of these E-Types specifically designed for competition and they would be known as the Lightweight E-Types. Their name came from Jaguar efforts to reduce weight, using an aluminium monocoque body and engines with a block of the same material. The engine also used fuel-injection and had a dry sump. Other changes included stiffened suspension and wider wheels. In 1963 Briggs Cunningham took three Lightweight E-Types to Le Mans. Despite the promise of glory, it was a disappointing race, with two retirements and the remaining car only being able to finish 9th after a long pit stop to repair a badly damaged bonnet.

However, the Lightweights are one of the most coveted collectable cars on the market today, commanding extraordinary values. Their competition focus has also inspired other both in period and today to use the techniques the Jaguar were using at the factory. This has meant that in the world of historic racing, E-Types are often seen at the front of the field in the races that they partake in.

About this specific vehicle

This car, that Boutsen Classic Cars are proud to offer for auction, is a 1964 Jaguar E-Type ‘Semi-Lightweight’ Coupe. This particular E-Type was specifically designed for racing, with a 1964 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 originally sold to the US being the basis for the build. The car features several modifications to enhance its performance on the track, including an aluminium front bonnet and aluminium doors, helping to reduce weight and improve its agility and speed. The car also has enlarged mudguards and a body-bearing roll bar, giving it a sleek racing-inspired look.

The chassis adopts a specific front and rear suspension for caster/camber adjustment. It is fitted with regular disc brakes with calipers, period correct Dunlop alloy wheels and semi-slick racing tyres.

The interior has been stripped out to minimize weight, with some non-essential features were removed. The car now has an FIA approved roll cage and a competition driver’s seat. The original 3.8 litre straight six has been prepared by specialists to produce up to 300hp. Changes made include reliable valve heads with Weber 48 carburettors and improved manifolds. The engine is mated to a synchronised 4-speed Quaife recoil gearbox with Moss shifter. Additional changes include the homologated low drag single-bolt style peg drives, a homologated 100L fuel tank and a dual fuel system.

The car has been meticulously maintained with a highly detailed file with service history and invoices provided. The engine has also just been checked over, with a new engine stud, seals and gaskets being installed. The current owner is willing to put the new owner with the Italian based mechanic, who an expert with British cars and has known and worked on the car for a number of years.

The original US Jaguar Heritage production certificate and import documents and plates are included, as well as FIA/HTP documents. Before being able to compete, the car will need to undertake 'crack testing', including tests to the roll cage and fire extinguishers. The car has raced locally and nationally in the UK and Italy and was previously owned by Matteo Panini, whose family are renowned historic racers and car collectors.

With less than 300 kms since the engine was reconditioned 10 years ago, this Jaguar E-Type is in excellent condition. The car has its NOVA certification, which proves that import duties have been paid on the vehicle and that it is eligible for road legal usage registration, should you wish to compete in open road races.

Its competitive power and exceptional performance make it a perfect candidate for competing in the iconic period racing “1961-65 category”. This is a perfect opportunity for a gentleman driver to acquire an iconic British period racer and gives a chance to compete in some great events.