Chassis No. 888592

Engine No. ZA2982-9

As its name suggests, the E-Type was at one time planned to be an evolution of the legendary Le Mans-winning D-Type sports racer – plans that were scrapped in 1956 amidst Jaguar's increased focus on building road-going sports cars and saloons, followed by the termination of its works racing program in the same year. Nevertheless, William Lyons and William Heyes were cognizant of the value that competition success would bring to a new model and continued work on a two-seater sports car prototype in Jaguar's Experimental Department. In 1957, a prototype dubbed E1A, often referred to as the first E-Type, made its first proper test runs around Browns Lane, followed by a second prototype leaving the factory gates in February 1960 as E2A.

Enter Briggs Cunningham – influential American racing driver, team owner, and constructor who had campaigned factory-prepared Jaguar D-Types in the SCCA Championships of 1956 and 1957. Cunningham, who needed a suitable car for the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans, flew to Coventry at the behest of Jaguar to test E2A, and ultimately left with an agreement to campaign the prototype at the grueling 24-hour race. Although E2A retired on lap 89 with a head gasket failure, Cunningham's promising results in major professional road races on the West Coast with E2A were enough to convince Jaguar to deliver Lightweight Competition cars to customers ahead of model's official debut in March 1961.

This E-Type Competition-Style Coupe began life as a left-hand drive Series 1 3.8-liter Fixed Head Coupe before its remarkable transformation to competition specification by Classic Showcase of Oceanside, California. The mostly complete, Opalescent Maroon E-Type acted as an excellent starting point for the ambitious restoration, which commenced in 2011 and was completed a year later in 2012. The project incorporated a number of highly desirable components inspired by the original Lightweight Competition E-Types, including a five-speed manual transmission, Dunlop alloy wheels secured with knock-off hubs, and enclosed Aston Martin headlamps and spotlights. The period-correct, although non-matching 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine was also brought up to competition specification thanks to triple Weber carburetors with intake trumpets, an electric cooling fan, a Redline intake manifold, long-tube exhaust headers, and a Bell stainless steel exhaust system. To help cope with the car's increased speeds, GAZ adjustable shock absorbers and Wilwood disc brakes were fitted at all four corners. The interior, trimmed in tan leather hides, complements the attractive period-appropriate dark blue exterior and boasts sports seats equipped with Beams safety belts.

Restored to exacting standards with the coveted factory Lightweight Competition E-Types acting as inspiration, this E-Type Series 1 3.8 Competition-Style Coupe is highly eligible for numerous historic racing events and is offered with its operator's manual, full-size wire spare, jack kit, and knock off mallet.