The Jaguar E-Type is one of the most iconic sports cars in history. Its racing version, the Lightweight, however, was in a league of its own—rather than luxury, performance on the track was the top priority.
Jaguar originally planned to produce 18 Lightweight E-Types, but only 12 cars were built in 1963 and 1964. Their bodies were made of aluminum, making the car approximately 114 kilograms lighter than the standard E-Type.
Under the hood is a 3.8-liter XK inline-six engine with an aluminum block, a wide cylinder head, and a dry sump. Jaguar claimed an output of more than 300 horses. The engine is paired with a four-speed manual transmission.
The Lightweight E-Type was designed for motorsports and competed in major events, including Le Mans, Sebring, and the Nürburgring.
This car itself is also an interesting story. In 2014, Jaguar Classic revived the original project and built six more vehicles, using the original, unused 1963 production numbers. This example, designated “Car 0, ” was the first of these new Lightweights.
At first glance, it catches the eye:
- with a lightweight aluminum body
- the E-Type’s magnificent proportions
- with a racing look
- with wide wheels
- with its distinctive long hood
- a six-cylinder engine with more than 300 horses
To this day, the Jaguar E-Type Lightweight combines the two qualities that make a car a legend— beauty and performance. That is one of the reasons it is among the most sought-after classic Jaguars.
