Aircraft engineer Malcolm Sayer’s aerodynamic design, the independent rear suspension, Enzo Ferrari allegedly calling it ‘the most beautiful car in the world’… The Jaguar E-Type story might feel very familiar. But dig a little deeper and there is obviously a lot more to it than that. And what you might not be aware of is America’s involvement with development of Jaguar’s most famous car.
For this film Henry Catchpole has brought together the latest gorgeous special project from Eagle E-Types - the Lightweight GTR - and a very original race car that was initially owned by Briggs Cunningham. Fitted with numerous Aluminium panels, chassis 875027 is one of the early race cars that inspired the 12 factory Lightweights in 1963 as Jaguar aimed to take on the Ferrari 250 GTOs.
But Cunningham’s and America’s influence over the Jaguar E-Type goes even further back. As we discuss in this video, E-Type prototype E2A was raced by Cunningham at Le Mans in 1960 and Dan Gurney had quite a bit to say about the rear suspension.
Meanwhile, Eagle’s gorgeous Lightweight GTR is a simply beautiful showcase of what the British E-Type specialists are capable of. With numerous lightweight parts, including plenty of use of magnesium, it tips the scales at just 975kg or 2150lb with fluids. Despite this, it doesn’t feel stripped out and raw, but still feels like a fabulous road car. It even uses Platinum and mother of pearl for what must be the fanciest safety switches ever!
We hope you enjoy this latest episode of The Driver’s Seat, filmed on the spectacular Anglesey circuit in Wales. If you’d like to support the Hagerty YouTube channel then a like, a comment or a share would be much appreciated. And if you’re in need of insurance for a special car that you don’t drive every day then please do consider clicking this link… www.hagerty.com/Henry
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