Jaguar/Daimler: Jaguar’s ‘new’ Lightweight E-Type

16 June, 2014

 


Back in the ’60s, Jaguar built 12 examples of marque’s famous Lightweight E-Type — a car that featured an all-aluminium body and engine block and a stripped-out interior. At the time, Jaguar had expected to construct a series of 18 examples between 1963 and 1964 but, at the time, they only got around to producing 12 — finally, fifty years later, Jaguar’s Heritage division is planning to complete the originally proposed run of 18 by building six more Lightweight E-Types using chassis numbers assigned but unused in the 1960s.

Originally produced specifically for racing, the Lightweight E-types were designed to take the fight to rivals from Ferrari on the track.

The six ‘new’ models will be built to the exact specifications of  ’60s originals – including the all–aluminium 3.8-litre straight–six engine and aluminium body.

Pricing information will be revealed closer to the car’s launch later this summer but don’t expect these cars to be cheap, bearing in mind that one of those genuine Lightweight E-Type from the ’60s would set you back several million bucks.

Project Adder – an MGB with bite

Bill and Rae Denize have been active MG Car Club members in Wellington for nearly 32 years. They have held a variety of positions on the club committee, and now that they are both retired, they can be even more involved in the club’s activities. Bill is currently the president of the MG Car Club, Wellington Centre.
The list of cars they’ve owned over the years is testament to their passion for the brand. It includes a 1972 Midget — the round rear-wheel arch model with 1275cc motor; a three-door 2004 MG ZR; a 2005 MG ZR (five-door); and Rae’s 2005 MG TF, which they still own. Bill also raced a 1967 Morris Mini Cooper S at Manfeild for many years. That car featured in an article in the January 2013 issue of this magazine.
In April 2013, Bill sold the Cooper S and decided to buy a low mileage, freshly imported MG RV8 from Japan. He liked the idea as there were only 1983 built in the early 1990s, which, hopefully, would translate into these cars holding their value. More importantly, their bodies were galvanised, which meant fewer rust problems, although Bill and Rae didn’t escape encounters with oxidation unscathed.