Only 12 of the aluminum-bodied Lightweight E-Types were eventually built, the last in 1964; the remaining six designated chassis numbers having remained dormant, until now. The new cars will be hand-built in-house by Jaguar’s finest craftsmen. Each car will be constructed to the exact specifications of the original 12 racecars – including the 3.8-litre straight-six engine.
The Lightweight weighed approximately 250 pounds less than a standard E-Type, thanks to its all-aluminum body and engine block, a lack of interior trim and exterior chrome work and weight-saving features including lightweight, hand-operated side windows.
Lightweight E-Types were built in 1963 (one car being delivered in 1964) by Jaguar’s Competition Department. Twelve complete cars were built in total and 11 are believed to survive today. They were homologated for GT competition by being designated a standard roadster fitted with a number of options. Those options varied from car to car, but the main modifications included all-aluminum monocoque platform and aluminum body panels, hardtop and aluminum-block, wide-angle head, dry-sump 3.8-litre XK engine with fuel injection. All chassis numbers carried an ‘S’ prefix.
Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Roy Salvadori and Briggs Cunningham raced these Lightweights originally. Today the remaining Lightweights are regular front-runners in historic motorsport events. Jaguar expects a high demand for the six Lightweight E-Types. Established Jaguar collectors, especially those with historic racecar interests, will be prioritized amongst potential customers who express interest.
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