Jaguar to hand-build six new Lightweight E-Types

The Jaguar Lightweight E-Type project was first commissioned in 1963 with the aim of producing 18 'Special GT E-type Cars', though it was suspended after making only 12 examples. More than 50 years later, the British car manufacturer has now set out on its first ever re-creation project in which it plans to build six new 1963 ‘Lightweight’ E-Type cars, under the company’s Heritage Business arm. 

The Jaguar E-Type is one of the all-time favourite classic cars and 72,500 cars were built between 1961 and 1974. The Lightweight edition though was a super exclusive race car made to compete in LeMans and Sebring, though it wasn’t successful in winning any major races. This edition weighed 114kgs less than the regular car thanks to its aluminum monocoque chassis and body as well as a cabin stripped-out of trim and chrome. The car was powered by the same 344bhp 3.8-litre straight-six unit with an aluminium engine block and head, mated to a five-speed gearbox. 

For this re-creation project, Jaguar will apply the six unused chassis codes on the new Lightweight E-Types. The cars will be handbuilt using original 1963 designs and techniques to the exact specification, though the customers will be able to personalise their car with their own colour and trim options. 

The first example of Lightweight E-Type will be ready in the coming months and will be revealed by the end of this year. Though Jaguar hasn’t revealed the price of the car, it will be exclusively picking out the customers who will be given the option to buy these cars. Regular E-Type cars are sold for astronomical prices in auctions around the world and we are sure Jaguar won’t have any problems in closing the deal for these six cars. \