1962 Jaguar E-Type Semi-Lightweight Competition Roadster

Chassis no. 878631

3,781cc DOHC Dry-Sump 6-Cylinder Engine
3 Twin-Choke Weber Carburetors
Est. 290bhp at 5,800rpm
5-Speed Getrag Close-Ratio Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Competition Disc Brakes

*Masterfully refurbished Series 1 E-Type built to Lightweight spec by Zealia Engineering
*Equipped with a host of highly desirable performance parts and upgrades
*Finished in stunning Opalescent Gunmetal Grey over a Blue racing interior
*Accompanied by comprehensive history file, FIVA Passport and Heritage Trust Certificate

THE COMPETITION E-TYPES

'The career of the E-Type Jaguar in competition was an honorable one - although designed purely for road use, it proved to be one of the few cars able to offer a credible challenge to the mighty GTO Ferrari.' - Paul Skilleter, 'Jaguar - The Sporting Heritage'.

Right from the moment deliveries commenced in 1961, the E-Type began to find its way on to the world's racetracks. In the Grand Touring class for production sports cars the E-Type proved competitive right from the start, Graham Hill celebrating the model's racing debut by winning at Oulton Park on 3rd April 1961 in Tommy Sopwith's car, 'ECD 400'.

The elevation of the GT class to Manufacturers' Championship status for 1963 prompted Jaguar to develop a small batch of very special lightweight cars to challenge Ferrari. The FIA's regulations for the Gran Turismo category stipulated that a minimum of 100 cars had to be built, but permitted coachwork modifications, thus enabling Jaguar to claim that its lightweights were standard E-types fitted with altered bodywork.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

According to the accompanying Heritage Certificate, this E-Type was manufactured on November 19, 1962 and first sold in New York as a Left-Hand Drive Roadster in Black over Beige leather. In the 1990s, this E-Type was sent back to England to be configured to replicate the rare lightweight cars. All conversion work was performed by Zealia Engineering in Suffolk, UK including the conversion of left to right hand drive for racing and street use in England. The 3.8-liter dry sump engine was prepared by renowned Jaguar racing expert, Rob Beere with 9.1 pistons, wide blade rods, a larger water pump, a Zealia custom radiator, and 45 DCOE triple Weber carburetors.

Zealia engineering reports the engine produces 250bhp at the wheels, fed through a Getrag 5-speed and 3.31 final drive ratio rear end with a limited slip. The E-Type sits on original pattern lightweight magnesium wheels with 7-inch front and 7.5-inch rears with three-ear knockoffs. The standard E-Type suspension was retained, with higher spring rates and front and rear Koni shocks. Front brakes are Willwood with alloy calipers and Girling XJ for the rear brakes. The construction utilized the Series 1 base, floor and bulkhead with a lightweight works-type gearbox tunnel to accommodate the Getrag unit. All remaining panels, including rear fenders and tail section, doors, boot lid, hardtop, and engine cover are composite in nature, with Lightweight dimensions to include flared rear arches. Other competition items include a 2-inch FIA spec roll hoop, alloy outside fuel filler, vented boot lid and hardtop, Luke 4-point belt harnesses, Moto Lita steering wheel, Vicarage speedo and tach, dash mounted battery cutoff switch, Plexiglass side and rear windows, outside bonnet and boot latches and Lucas PL lights.

This E-Type saw use at Brands Hatch, Mallory Park, Donington Park, Oulton Park and Silverstone, where its owner earned several poles and wins. In 2001 the E-Type was sold to a collector in Switzerland, who was granted a FIVA identity card in 2001, of which a color copy is included in the files. The E-Type then changed hands in 2008 and was brought back to the United States by a gentlemen racer from Austin, TX, before being acquired by a collector in California. During this ownership, the body and hardtop received a thorough repaint to period correct Jaguar Gunmetal Grey, while new weather stripping, bonnet and boot latches and bonnet straps was fitted.

The Zealia Lightweight E-Types have their own place in the world of Classic Jaguars. Based upon a correct E-Type chassis, this example is beautifully shaped to replicate a proper Lightweight. The result is a very light, very fast and very competent E-Type suitable for use on both road and track. The driving experience is certainly visceral, but not so aggressive or raw that it could not be enjoyed on road focused rally or tour events, or for spirited jaunts in the countryside. This E-Type has been well taken care of by its previous owners and has been maintained regardless of use. This E-Type comes with a large folder containing much racing documentation, ownership history, European registrations, a Zealia Engineering spec sheet and a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate. A recent road test attests to the car performing very well, and it is indeed ready for immediate use and enjoyment.