The Lightweight Jaguar E-Type is reborn

Lightweight E-type

Jaguar is to build six perfect reproductions of the original, race-bred Lightweight E-type that was created in 1963.

The new cars are the 'missing' six vehicles from Jaguar's Lightweight E-type project, which originally started in February 1963, with the objective of building 18 'Special GT E-type cars'.

Only 12 of the aluminium bodied Lightweight E-types were eventually built, the last in 1964, the remaining six designated chassis numbers having laid 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 their original 1960s forebears - including the 3.8 straight-six engine.

The Lightweight carried approximately 114kg (250lb) less weight than a standard E-type, thanks to its all-aluminium body and engine block, a lack of interior trim and exterior chrome work, and a host of further weight-saving features including lightweight, hand-operated side windows.

Jaguar expects a high demand for the six Lightweight E-types. Established Jag collectors, especially those with historic race car interests, will be prioritised amongst those potential customer who express interest.

Note: The E-type was produced between 1961 and 1975. Just over 72,500 were built. 11 of the 12 Lightweight E-types, built in 1963, are believed to survive today. The Lightweight E-types were raced in period by such as Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Roy Salvadori and Briggs Cunningham. Today, they are regular front-runners in the historic motorsport scene.