About Jaguar Lightweight E-Type

The production E-Type models, introduced in 1961, were built with steel bodies. This posed a significant challenge for those purchasing the cars to compete in various motor races, as their weight was much higher compared to rivals like the Ferrari 250 GT and Shelby Cobra.

One of the first notable racing production E-Types was a model built by John Coombs in 1961, almost immediately after purchase. In the first year, the car underwent several modifications:

- Aluminum hood, doors, and trunk lid

- Perspex side windows and headlights

- Raised suspension

- Brake discs and calipers from the Jaguar Mk IX

By 1962, Jaguar took notice of the car, began supporting Coombs, and realized the need to create a true racing version of the E-Type. This likely happened after Coombs’ car was involved in an accident at Goodwood and was sent to the Jaguar factory for restoration with a lightweight steel body and a sporty aluminum roof. Later, the car received further upgrades, including a modified cylinder head and three Weber carburetors. By the end of the year, John Coombs and his car, which served as a sort of prototype, were invited to the Jaguar factory.

It’s worth noting that since early 1962, Jaguar had already been working on the E-Type Low Drag Coupe ZX 537/30. The developments tested on this model and Coombs’ car allowed the company to begin production of the famous series of 12 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight cars.

John Coombs’ car became the first Lightweight (chassis 850006), a kind of prototype that laid the foundation for the remaining 11 lightweight models (although an initial plan called for 18 units).

The modernization began around November 1962. The reworked car included numerous improvements, some of which had previously been used by Coombs on his production model:

- Fully aluminum body and related components

- Rigid aluminum roof

- Adjustable Girling shock absorbers

- Aluminum cylinder head

- Dry sump engine lubrication

- High-pressure fuel injection

- Lowered suspension by 1 inch

- 5-speed ZF gearbox (most other Lightweights were initially fitted with Jaguar’s 4-speed manual transmission, except for the last two, which also featured the ZF gearbox) - Wider rear track using modified control arms from the Jaguar Mk X

- Redesigned front suspension with anti-dive geometry

- Lowered steering rack

- Racing seats

- Special lightweight Dunlop wheels with slots

- Several other minor modifications

These upgrades reduced the car's weight by nearly 280 kg (the aluminum body alone saved about 114 kg) and boosted the engine’s power to over 300 hp.

From the construction of Coombs’ first Lightweight in late 1962 to the creation of the last 12th unit, approximately a year and a half passed. The first Lightweight models were sold in March 1963, and the last was built in January 1964.

There are reports of issues with the ZF gearboxes and aluminum cylinder heads, prompting many Lightweights to switch to heavier cast iron cylinder heads and Moss gearboxes.

Due to the lengthy production and development process, the cars were already uncompetitive by the time they were released. Jaguar lost interest in the project, and instead of the planned 18 Lightweight units, only 12 were built.

The 12 cars had very different fates. Some sources suggest that only 11 have survived to this day, but the most recent information indicates all 12 still exist.

In 2014, Jaguar announced plans to produce the six missing Lightweight units under the "Missing Six" project.

The new models aim to replicate the original 1963 cars completely. Thanks to modern technology and preserved documentation, all components will be crafted to match the originals as closely as possible, using the same materials and techniques from the 1960s. Even the body panels will be made from the same type of aluminum used back then.

All cars received certification for participation in historic sports car races under FIA regulations. It is known that demand was enormous, but priority was given to the most prominent collectors of the British brand.

Jaguar Lightweight E-Type Overview

The Jaguar E-Type Lightweight is a racing version of the E-Type, designed to compete with lighter rivals like Ferrari and Shelby. Built between 1962 and 1964, only 12 units were produced, featuring aluminum bodies, racing-tuned engines with over 300 hp, and advanced modifications. Although delays and technical challenges made them less competitive at the time, they became motorsport icons. In 2014, Jaguar completed the series with six additional models under the "Missing Six" project, cementing the Lightweight's legacy as a highly sought-after classic.

Jaguar Lightweight E-Type Technical Specification

Engine: 3.8L XK inline-six, producing over 300 hp, with three Weber 45 DCOE carburetors and dry sump lubrication.

Transmission: Factory 4-speed manual (later models featured a 5-speed ZF gearbox).

Brakes: Dunlop disc brakes with servo assistance and quick-change pads.

Body: Lightweight aluminum two-seater with a rigid aluminum roof and racing seats.

Suspension: Independent front and rear suspension with Girling adjustable shock absorbers.

Steering: Worm and ball nut mechanism.

Fuel System: Lucas high-pressure fuel injection.

Jaguar Lightweight E-Type Photogallery