From the Estate of James Messenger
1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Fixed Head Coupe Race Car

Audrain Concours Auction|29 September 2023, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame

1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Fixed Head Coupe Race Car
Chassis no. 885985

4,235cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine (see text)
Triple Weber DCOE Carburetors (see text)
Est. 300bhp (see text)
5-Speed Tremec Manual Transmission (see text)
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Prepared by Marque Specialists Motorcars, Inc.
*Restored by Classic Showcase
*Race-Prepped 4.2-Liter Engine
*Roll cage, fuel cell, Lightweight alloy bonnet

THE JAGUAR E-TYPE

Nearly as soon as Jaguar customers took deliveries in 1961, the E-Type found its way to 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.

As GT Racing was elevated to World Championship status, Jaguar entered the ring with the aluminum-bodied E-Type Lightweight intending to take on the might of Ferrari and Shelby on the world stage. While the rules required a minimum of 100 examples to qualify for the championship, Jaguar exploited a loophole claiming the Lightweight was merely a modified standard production E-Type, and therefore got away with building just twelve of the all-aluminum specials. While the E-Type Lightweight never quite achieved the same success as the D-Type and C-Type before it, the model nevertheless inspired countless replicas and tributes.

THE CAR OFFERED

This 1962 E-Type Fixed Head Coupe began life as a 3.8-liter model, finished in Opalescent Gunmetal over a Red interior. The accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate shows this US-spec car was delivered to the first owner at the factory and was issued a Coventry registration number when new, presumably for a tour of the homeland before being exported to the United States via Cars in New York.

Little else of the car's early life is known, until it was discovered in the early 2000s as a derelict project by marque specialists Classic Showcase in Oceanside, California. The car was rebuilt from the ground up as a dual-purpose, road-legal racer and track-day special inspired by the Works Lightweights.

A full restoration of the body shell took place, and it was stripped of its bumpers and any unnecessary trim and given race-inspired touches like an aluminum bonnet and Lexan windows. Finished in an attractive shade of metallic silver accented with red double stripes, the livery is a modern take on a classic E-Type racers of yore. The cockpit is stripped down to the bare essentials for the track, outfitted with racing seat, multi-point harnesses, a forward-braced roll bar, on-board fire system, and a Fuel Safe racing cell. The wide Torq-Thrust wheels with fat racing tires give the Jaguar a distinctly purposeful, aggressive look.

Replacing the long-lost original 3.8-liter engine is an XJ6-sourced 4.2-liter, rebuilt for performance with 11:1 compression pistons, a ported head with big valves, and hot camshafts. Breathing in through triple Weber DCOE carburetors and out through stainless steel headers and a sports exhaust, this E-Type makes an estimated 300bhp which is certainly enough to get the heart racing. Backing the 'six is a suitably uprated Quartermaster Clutch, light alloy flywheel, and a tough 5-speed Tremec gearbox.

Since the initial restoration and upgrades by Classic Showcase, it joined the Messenger Collection where additional preparation was done by Motorcars, Inc. of Plainville, Connecticut to dial it in for track-focused use. The Jaguar E-Type is consistently ranked one of the prettiest road cars ever made, and with the right modifications, it becomes one of the prettiest racers. This gorgeous example is an outstanding selection for the seasoned racer looking to step into a more powerful machine, or a club-level enthusiast desiring a purpose-built racer for track days and vintage motorsport.

Saleroom notices

Title in transit.

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