1964 Jaguar E-Type Semi- Lightweight

4,235cc DOHC Competition 6-Cylinder Engine
3 Twin-Choke Weber Carburetors
Est. 300bhp at 5,800rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Competition Disc Brakes

*Stunning recreation to Semi-Lightweight specifications
*Equipped with a host of highly desirable performance parts and upgrades
*Fitted with aluminum body panels and competition engine
*Accompanied by original engine and comprehensive history file

To view a YouTube walkaround of this lot please click here

Previewing at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.


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

Completed at the Browns Lane Jaguar Factory during August of 1964 as a left-hand drive E-Type Roadster, chassis number 1E10022 was originally finished in cream with dark blue interior. Believed to have been delivered new to the US market, the Jaguar came into long-term ownership in the 1980s until it was sold in 1995 to a Jaguar enthusiast who appreciated how straight and solid the E-Type was. Retaining its matching numbers engine, the car was at this time red, and its owner drove it for about three years, during which time he embarked on a personal quest to fastidiously research and document as many details as possible regarding the E-Type Lightweights. By 1998, he had reached the ultimate decision point and decided to embark on a build to replicate a Lightweight E-Type as faithfully as possible, in the livery of the 11th Lightweight E-Type originally built, 2 GXO.
He began by carefully disassembling the entire car, photographing and cataloging his efforts along the way. In 1999, Jaguar expert Steve Helms media blasted the entire shell and the metal work began. In April 2000, an order was placed with Dunford Limited, UK for aluminum panels to be fabricated by their master craftsmen. The order included two doors, a hardtop, a complete bonnet, boot lid, rear quarter panels, and boot/hardtop vents. At this time Dunlop racing wheels, hubs and a variety of other specific Lightweight parts and pieces were purchased totaling nearly $20,000. Between 2003-2005, an additional $36,000.00 was spent with a local aluminum fabrication specialist to shape and contour the panels, fit them to the monocoque, and prep the car for paint. Jaguar monocoque experts Lindley Motors then completed the final paint prep, paint, and finishing for re-assembly. In September 2005, the body and frame was completed to show quality finish, ready for Steve Helms to re-assemble.

The original engine was set aside and left undisturbed (and is included with the car), and a newer 4.2 liter XJ6 engine procured specifically because of its larger oil galleys and other updates, making it well suited to being built up to produce more power when compared to the original E-Type engine. E-Type race engine specialists Hyde Villa Machine Shop in Reading, PA were commissioned to build the engine. A few details of the extensive rebuild include a balancing and blue printing, porting and polishing, Venolia +.020 pistons, new rods, Isky race cams, aluminum fly wheel, 3 Weber DCOE 45 152 carburetors, AP clutch, stainless-steel headers and exhaust.

The suspension and braking systems were tended to with the same attention to detail. Willwood brakes and Spax shocks were installed as well as upgraded suspension bushings, and stainless-steel brake lines and adjustable torsion bar reaction plates. A full synchro 1965 gearbox unit was fitted replacing the stock Moss unit. Further sorting continued to the exterior of the car installing a LeMans filler cap, finishing the extractor vents, correct roll bar, and other supporting details. The build was completed in 2006, with minor sorting and maintenance performed during the years since the car's completion.

Today, the car presents as a faithful Lightweight E-Type recreation with both impressive presence and excellent finishes throughout. The interior of the car is as carefully thought out and detailed as the exterior. Throughout, the workmanship, fit, and finish are exemplary in the chassis and components, reflecting a cohesive and exceptional build. A host of spares is included with the car along with the original engine, records supporting the fabrication, parts listing, and services performed on the car. This no expense spared recreation is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of its builders and is a stunning tribute to the legendary Lightweight E-Types.