1965 Jaguar E-Type 'Lightweight'

This particular E-type Roadster is a Series 1 LHD example that was sold new to the US in 1965. It was imported back to the UK in 2011 by a friend of the current owner. The car was in a bit of a sorry state and was missing its original engine, bonnet and convertible hood frame. It was mostly solid however and still retained its original matching numbers 4 speed all synchro manual gearbox. Eager to build his own homage to '4 WPD', the current owner saw the E-Type project as a the perfect blank canvas on which to build his dream track car. A deal was made with his friend which ultimately lead to the creation of this beautiful machine.

There is no denying that the Jaguar E-type, in standard road going guise, is a very pretty car. However the Lightweight prototype took that standard design and elevated it to new levels of beauty. Details such as the removal of the chrome bumpers enhanced the cars gorgeous curves, with the increase to the wheel track giving it a much more aggressive stance.

The current owner and creator of this car was very keen to make this example as close to the original Lightweight as possible. It is this level of detail that makes this car fascinating. He sourced an aluminium bonnet at great expense and recreated the bonnet louvres to match those on “4 WPD”. He also acquired a hardtop which allowed him to complete the external look of the original Lightweight. A nice nod to that very car is the Coombs dealer sticker in the back window.

A set of replica Dunlop bolt on alloys were added and are the round hole type, which are a nod to the earlier D-Type alloys.

A repaint in the correct grey with a contrasting black hood, complete with competition roundels completed the external transformation from a scruffy US spec Roadster, into the fine example we have today.

One of the advantages of the E-Type’s rough condition and its subsequent disassembly, meant it was relatively straightforward to convert the car from LHD to RHD for UK roads.

An FIA specification roll cage was installed, with removable sections in the door areas to aid access in and out of the car. These parts of the roll cage are photographed below in the boot of the car.

Other competition inspired items on the interior include lightweight racing seats with racing harnesses and an alloy dashboard. Which is finished off by the iconic Jaguar E-type steering wheel.

The owner states that the E-type benefits from a new wiring loom.

Originally this US specification car would have left the factory with the Jaguar 4.2 litre engine. As this was missing, the current owner decided to install a 3.4 litre engine, one that had already been bored out to 3.8 litre. The owner states that this engine was sourced from a Jaguar Mk1 originally, he adds that it has been rolling road tested and produces 265BHP. Since its creation the car has covered approximately 1,000 miles and the owner states that it was serviced after its run in period after the building.

He also sourced a set of genuine Italian triple Weber 45 DOCE carburettors, which sound excellent when the Jaguar comes on song. Other interesting details include a new Dynator (an alternator in a Dyanmo casing to preserve the period correct look) and an FIA specification Fordward Engineering manifold. He goes on to note that the exhaust system installed was sourced from a client who acquired it from the “CUT 7” E-Type, though there are no numbers to confirm this.

Adding to the cars impressive build is its GAZ adjustable suspension, to which is fitted an S2 braking system. If one were seeking FIA papers, the seller says that - and potentially amongst a few other alternations - these brakes would need to be changed to S1 specification. Any bidders seeking FIA certification need to thoroughly investigate what the car will require before bidding. Physical inspections are welcomed - the car is in the showroom at our HQ in Abingdon.

Included in the history file is the cars V5C logbook, its original chassis plate, a hand written list of the cars build specification and an invoice for the cars shipping from the US to the UK in 2011.

The E-Type comes with one set of keys. The owner notes that its has 2 keys, one for the doors & a different one for the ignition.

The car also comes with an MOT certificate with no advisories which is valid until 15th May 2023. Also included in the history file is a copy of Philip Porters book “Jaguar Lightweight E-type: The autobiography of 4 WPD”.

This 1965 Jaguar E-type is a stunning homage to the original E-type Lightweight. The build has clearly been a labour of love and the attention to detail is impressive. The fact that it is also road legal is incredibly tempting. It would certainly make for one very rapid grocery getter. It is a real head turner and “TYB 107” is the closest we petrolheads will get to owning “4 WPD”.

We estimate this car to fetch between £85,000 - £105,000 in auction.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.