Words: Chris Lilly
Jaguar has just released a brand new model, which is already fifty-one years old – the Lightweight E-Type. This ‘new’ lightweight E-Type is the first project from Coventry-based Jaguar Heritage, and just six will be built in total, each bearing the remaining chassis numbers from the original run.
In 1963, the Special GT E-Type project was proposed to build the racing developed coupe. However, only 12 of the planned 18 cars were made, so each of the new 2015 models will have the remaining E-Type classifications. The body, doors, boot-lid, roof and bonnet will all be made from aluminium, which is in line with the original and sticking to the ‘Lightweight’ part of the moniker, while the 3.8 litre six-cylinder engine comes from the XK range, picked because it mirrors the characteristics of the sixties version.
The aluminium block will produce more than 300hp and 280 lb ft of torque, though exact figures are impossible to quote since each car will be built to the individual customer’s specification. Remaining as true to the original as possible, the power is put through a four-speed gearbox as Jaguar Heritage has eschewed the current Jaguar boxes, which now have twice the number of cogs. The rest of the performance-focused components are also in line with the heritage theme, the twin-wishbone front suspension and an independent wide-based wishbone at the rear being the best examples. This not only offers an extremely well designed suspension system but also mirrors the practice for racing cars of the period.
The steering uses a standard E-Type rack and pinion set-up, and the beautiful wooden steering wheel is a particular highlight of the cabin. Thankfully, Jaguar was at the vanguard of braking systems in the sixties and large racing front discs were used, the likes of which are fitted to the new model. The interior has been carefully considered too and is faithfully reproduced from the original. As befitting a thoroughbred GT car, the cabin is sparsely kitted out, though there is a roll cage fitted. The main reason for this is because the Lightweight E-Type has been designed and built with FIA historic homologation in mind so customers can enter official historic and classic races. Jaguar’s Skunk Works has created a prototype vehicle to showcase the Lightweight E-Type – titled Car Zero – while the British firm has collaborated with Bremont to create six bespoke ‘E-Type’ watches, which will be offered exclusively to the lucky owners. The model officially goes on show at the Pebble Beach Automotive event this weekend.
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