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1961 Jaguar E-Type Semi-Lightweight news, pictures, and information

Chassis Num: S875027
Engine Num: R-1063-9
 
Chassis S875027 is the third of the 'Cunningham Three' the other two being (875015, 875026). It along with the other two was delivered to Cunningham as a group. It was built as a standard steel production car on April 24 1961 and originally registered 9023 DU in the UK. Jaguar factory records indicate it as a 'demo'. The car was heavily modified towards light-weight E specifications. It was fitted with a D type wide-angle cylinder head, and many body panels were aluminum, including the hood, hardtop and truck lid. It was reportedly fitted with an iron block, wide angle head, Weber carburetors, aluminum headlamp covers, a thick lower windshield chrome strip, Jaguar competition wire wheels, an auxiliary gas tank over the rear axle, a brake vent under the rear license plate, a radiator blind, and Mk IX front brakes. In 1973 the car was for sale from Colorado. Around 1974 it was returned to the UK, where it was sold to an owner who had it for about 15 years. Between 1988 and 1993 it changed hands at least three times, but apparently remained in the UK. In 1993 this car was described by Paul Skilleter as 'surly one of the most original early sixties racing cars' The car has been reported as having extensive racing history in the 1962-1963 periods. Including Daytona in February 1962, and possibly in the 1962 Le Mans test day. Past Owners: Possible other race history: GKCC 1999 1963 Michael Burtt 1993 Daytona Lynx Motors 1993 1963 Sebring 1963 Road America
The Jaguar E type, also known as the XK-E, brought style and performance together to create a mass-produced supercar. The road-going sports car was conceived in 1956 as a replacement for the D-type. In March of 1961 the E-Type was officially introduced to the world at the Geneva, Switzerland Motor show.
It's design was created by an aerodynamic engineer named Malcolm Sayer. The front engine, rear-wheel drive vehicle featured a moncoque body and a tubular front chassis. The six-cylinder double-cam engine had three SU carburetors and produced 265 horsepower. The suspension was independent with disc brakes on all four wheels. It brought together the best or aerodynamics, coupled with the latest technology and propelled by a potent engine. The vehicle was not only fast, it offered excellent performance and handling. Some of the most common complaints it received were the cabin being too cramped and it suffered from poor ventilation.

The E-Type was a popular vehicle. It was fast, performed well, and was competitively priced. Due to the United States safety and emission regulations, some of the horsepower was lost. The headlamp covers were also removed prior to the close of the 1960's.

A 4.2-liter engine and synchromesh gearbox was introduced in 1964. In 1966, the 2+2 coupe was introduced and featured a longer wheelbase. The Series II cars were not as quick as its predecessors. The Series III, however, was a different story. Powered by a V-12 engine they were once again able to propel the E-Type over 145 miles per hour.

Production for the E-Type ceased in 1975, after 72,520 examples being produced. It was replaced by the XJ-S; a vehicle that was larger, heavier, and not as visually appealing.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2006
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