Jaguar is to build six brand new 'Lightweight' E-types

Jaguar’s first ever ‘re-creation’ project, the all-aluminium cars will be assigned the six remaining chassis numbers which were originally allocated in 1963 All six vehicles will be built as perfect reproductions and to the exact specifications of the original 12 cars first produced in 1963 The first new Lightweight E-type will make its public debut later this summer. Further information will be released at that point

Whitley, Coventry--May 14, 2014: Jaguar is to build six perfect reproductions of the original, race-bred Lightweight E-type that was created in 1963. The new cars are the ‘missing’ six vehicles from Jaguar’s Lightweight E-type project, which originally started in February 1963 with the objective of building 18 ‘Special GT E-type Cars’.

Only 12 of the aluminium bodied Lightweight E-types were eventually built, the last in 1964, the remaining six designated chassis numbers having lain dormant, until now.

The new cars will be hand-built in-house by Jaguar’s finest craftsmen. Each car will be constructed to the exact specifications of their original 1960s forebears – including the 3.8-litre straight-six engine.

The Lightweight carried approximately 114kg (250lb) less weight than a standard E-type, thanks to its all-aluminium body and engine block, a lack of interior trim and exterior chrome work and a host of further weight-saving features including lightweight, hand-operated side windows.

Jaguar expects a high demand for the six Lightweight E-types. Established Jaguar collectors, especially those with historic race car interests, will be prioritised amongst those potential customers who express interest.

The E-type was produced between 1961 and 1975. Just over 72,500 were built.

The Lightweight E-types were built in 1963 (one car being delivered in 1964) by Jaguar’s competition department. Twelve complete cars were built in total – 11 are believed to survive today.