Jaguar, the brainchild of Sir William Lyons is now owned by India’s Tata Motors, who have announced that they will build the six “missing” E-Type Jaguars that were due to be built in 1964. These E-Types were destined to be race-bred Lightweight E-types that were to be built as ‘Special GT E-Type Cars’.
Only 12 of the aluminium bodied Lightweight E-Types were eventually built of the planned 18, the last in 1964, the remaining six designated chassis numbers having lain dormant, until now.
LWT E-Type.
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 liter straight six XK engine.
The Lightweight carried approximately 114kg 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 Jaguar collectors, especially those with historic race car interests, will be prioritized amongst those potential customers who express interest.
Tata believes that these “new” E-Types will be snapped up, and well they may be – but are they 1963 LWT E-Types, or are they 2014 LWT E-Types and re-creations?
