1965 Jaguar E-Type 'Semi-Lightweight' Roadster

Lot details
Registration No: EOL584C
Chassis No: 1E11338
Mot Expiry: Feb 2019

- Piloted by Sir Stirling Moss and Win Percy

- Built to 'semi-lightweight' racing specification in 1991 complete with an Abbey Panels aluminium bonnet that was reputedly first fitted to Sir Robert Ropner's factory special order 'Lightweight'-inspired car

- 4.2 Litre racing specification engine and 5-speed Getrag gearbox

'I've sat next to a number of famous drivers and never cease to marvel at their dexterity. Stirling is the perfect case in point. From the moment the flag dropped on the first sprint there wasn't a single, solitary moment of apprehension. The car is always in balance, flowing smoothly from one curve to another, in total control - at speeds that would have me trembling in fear, white-knuckled, were I to attempt them' (Mike McCarthy, editor of Classic & Sportscar magazine and co-driver to Sir Stirling Moss on the 1991 Manx Mountain Challenge).

Supplied new to R.C. Kagen via Jaguar Cars, New York, chassis 1E11338 began life as a left-hand drive E-Type Series 1 4.2 litre Roadster. Imported to the UK by renowned XK and E-Type specialist Jeremy Broad in 1990, he had it reconfigured for competition usage by Nuneaton Car Crafts. Fitted with an original Abbey Panels aluminium bonnet that is rumoured to have come from Sir Robert Ropner's factory special order 'Lightweight'-inspired car and converted to right-hand drive, the two-seater's alloy boot lid, hardtop and doors were supplied by R.S. Panels. Purchased by Graham Warwick the following year, he loaned it to (Sir) Stirling Moss and Mike McCarthy to contest the inaugural Manx Mountain Challenge that same July. Amazingly, the event marked the first time that Stirling Moss had competed in a Jaguar E-Type (Moss / McCarthy finished 9th out of 60 on day one). A former Works Jaguar and Aston Martin driver, he was piloting Rob Walker's Ferrari 250 GT SWB (now owned by F1 supremo Ross Brawn) when the E-Type began hunting silverware.

Contesting circa 100 races with Graham Warwick behind the wheel and Isle of Man road registered as '1 EMN' during his tenure, chassis 1E11338 was progressively developed by Richard Ball Racing of Rigby, John Pearson of Whittlebury and Renascence Cars of Atherstone. Running to FIA specification at one stage complete with a 3.8 litre engine (and awarded a FIA Historic Vehicle Identity Form accordingly), the Roadster won the 1998 Manx Classic Sportscar race outright. Entrusted to Touring Car and Le Mans ace Win Percy for a race celebrating the 40th anniversary of the E-Type at Donington Park in 2001, chassis 1E11338 qualified a highly impressive 3rd. Retaining the triple Weber carburettor-fed 4.2 litre XK DOHC engine and Getrag five-speed manual gearbox with which it last ran in anger, the two-seater entered the current ownership during February 2016.

Used for high days and holidays since then, the Jaguar has nevertheless been treated to new Lightweight-style bucket seats and refurbished alloy wheels. Starting readily upon inspection and sounding decidedly purposeful, 'EOL 584C' offers its new owner the choice of either returning it to competition usage or softening it for use as a fast road car. Who or which is more iconic, Sir Stirling Moss or the Jaguar E-Type? With chassis 1E11338 there is no need to decide. An exciting car with a great provenance, this very special Jaguar is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, expired FIA HVIF papers and history file.