1961 Jaguar XKE “Lightweight”
By the early 1960s, Jaguar was in the midst of a transition. The works racing team had withdrawn from international competition following a string of victories at Le Mans with the C- and D-Types, shifting the company’s focus toward road cars. Yet racing remained deeply woven into Jaguar’s DNA, and the newly developed E-Type—with its state-of-the-art monocoque construction and race-derived mechanicals—seemed destined to carry the torch. Even before the official launch of the E-Type in 1961, Jaguar’s director of competitions, Lofty England, understood the importance of motorsport to the brand’s identity. Several early production roadsters were quietly supplied to favored privateers, who immediately set about proving the E-Type’s competitiveness on circuits across Europe.
Success in club-level events came quickly, but the arrival of Ferrari’s 250 GTO in 1962 raised the bar dramatically. John Coombs, a well-known privateer and Jaguar loyalist, found himself with both a competition E-Type and a GTO in his stable. His willingness to lend the Ferrari to Jaguar’s experimental department underscored the challenge ahead: if the E-Type was to remain competitive, it needed a dramatic evolution. Jaguar responded with the Lightweight program, producing twelve examples constructed with all-alloy bodies, wider tracks, revised suspension geometry, Dunlop alloy wheels, and 300-horsepower alloy-block XK engines. These twelve Lightweights became the last true factory-built Jaguar racers of their era, and today they rank among the most significant competition Jaguars ever produced.
The car offered here, registration “437 YUJ,” represents the most faithful interpretation of the Lightweight formula, crafted from an original 1961 E-Type and converted by some of the most respected specialists in the marque. The transformation began with a hand-formed aluminum monocoque and outer panels by Rod Jay of Jaguar Racing Panels, Nuneaton—widely recognized as one of the foremost craftsmen in the field. The shell was reinforced for additional rigidity and paired with correct Lightweight details including ventilated hard top, vented boot lid, and wide-track suspension geometry. Valley Motorsport, leading Jaguar competition experts, oversaw the assembly and mechanical preparation, ensuring the car was constructed to exacting standards.
At the heart of this machine lies a formidable powerplant: a Crosthwaite & Gardiner alloy block fitted with a wide-angle cylinder head, Cosworth pistons, and an Arrow billet crankshaft. Breathing through triple Weber DCOE carburetors and exhaling via a bespoke competition exhaust, the engine was built by Phil Hepworth at a reported cost of £60,000. Dyno tested at 365 horsepower, it exceeds the output of the original factory Lightweights as well as Jaguar’s modern “continuation” examples, offering superior performance for both track and rally applications. A long-range fuel tank, FIA-spec cooling systems, and upgraded SP coilover suspension further underline its race-ready credentials. Braking is handled by uprated discs at all four corners, supplemented by alloy ventilation ducts on the rear inboard assemblies.
Inside, the cockpit reflects the car’s dual purpose as both racer and tourer. The bare bones cockpit features numerous safety devices, including a full roll cage, Lifeline fire suppression system, and a Schroth racing harness, used in conjunction with finely quilted leather rally-style seats. A Perspex windscreen, raw alloy door panels, and exposed rivet work reinforce the purposeful atmosphere, while period-correct details such as outside bonnet latches, Monza filler cap, Perspex headlamp covers, and Dunlop peg-drive wheels complete the authentic Lightweight specification.
This car was originally constructed in preparation for the 50th Anniversary E-Type Challenge, though it ultimately did not participate. In August of 2012 the 437 YUJ was granted its FIA Appendix K certification and full Historic Technical Passport for FIA class GTS12, making it eligible for a wide range of premier historic racing events. Since completion, it has seen only sparing use and remains in superb condition, with its paintwork and alloy bodywork presenting beautifully. Accompanying documentation includes a full photographic record of the build, receipts, and dyno data.
For collectors and drivers alike, “437 YUJ” presents a rare opportunity. Original factory Lightweight E-Types are now firmly in the realm of seven- and eight-figure unobtainables, while Jaguar’s sanctioned “continuation” cars remain tightly controlled and seldom offered. This example, executed to the highest standards with no expense spared, delivers the same performance and presence at a fraction of the investment, while carrying the additional benefit of FIA eligibility. Elegant yet aggressive, faithful yet exhilarating to drive, this Jaguar stands as a true triple-threat: a competitive historic racer, a charismatic rally entrant, and a show-stopping centerpiece for any collection devoted to significant postwar sports cars.
Offers welcome and trades considered.
$: Contact us for the price.
Stock number 7948
For immediate assistance please call us
