About Jaguar E2A

The Jaguar E2A is a continuation of the Jaguar E1A, with a focus on the racing sphere, and serves as an intermediate stage in the development of the Jaguar E-Type. The prototype model was completed on February 27, 1960, and underwent its first tests just two days later, on February 29.

Initially developed as a test and racing prototype for the E-Type, the car caught the attention of millionaire Briggs Cunningham, who happened to visit the factory. Cunningham convinced William Lyons to allow the car to participate in the 1960 Le Mans race.

The prototype was designed with the new sports car racing regulations in mind, such as limitations on windshield height and a maximum engine displacement of 3 liters. Norman Dewis, Jaguar's chief test driver, saw great potential in the car and played a key role in convincing the team to replace William Heynes' experimental five-speed gearbox with a reliable and proven four-speed gearbox.

On April 9, 1960, the car, carrying the number VKV 752, completed a test run for Le Mans in an unpainted aluminum body. The model was later finalized and officially presented at the 1960 Le Mans race in its completed form.

The final version of the Jaguar E2A featured several distinctive characteristics:

- An aerodynamic fin behind the driver’s head, similar to the one on the Jaguar D-Type.

- A specially developed 3.0-liter engine.

- Two large air ducts for cooling the rear brakes.

- A significantly raised rear section of the body.

- Unique white paintwork with blue stripes.

- Independent rear suspension.

- Numerous other subtle technical and visual modifications.

The Jaguar E2A had a promising start at the 1960 Le Mans race with two American drivers, Walt Hansgen and Dan Gurney. However, a few hours into the race, fuel system issues arose, requiring multiple pit stops. After its defeat at Le Mans, the E2A was returned to the factory, where it was re-equipped with a 3.8-liter engine and prepared for shipment to America to compete in various racing events.

Under Walt Hansgen's control, the car won its first race at Bridgehampton. It also secured second place at the "Road America 500" and participated in the "Los Angeles Times Grand Prix," where Formula 1 World Champion Jack Brabham drove it to a 10th-place finish.

At the end of 1960, the Jaguar E2A was returned to the factory in England. Shortly after, it became the first car to test Dunlop's Maxaret anti-lock braking system but was then briefly forgotten.

By 1966, the car had been left unused in storage until it was repurposed to divert media attention from the new Jaguar XJ13. The E2A was heavily publicized and tested at the MIRA track in Lindley, with its large fin removed and painted in the iconic "British Racing Green." After completing its final duties, the car was listed for scrapping.

The E2A was saved by Jaguar motorsport manager Roger Woodley, who proposed purchasing the car for his wife, Penny Griffiths, an avid Jaguar collector along with her father. After lengthy negotiations, the car was sold on the condition that it would never be used in competitive racing again.

For the next 40 years, the car remained in the Griffiths family, which eventually restored its original registration plates, VKV 752, used for Jaguar factory cars of that era.

In August 2008, the car was auctioned at Bonhams and sold for a record $4,957,000, making it the most expensive Jaguar ever sold. Its new owner, a renowned Austrian collector, prepared the car for the 2010 Le Mans Classic, where it was showcased in celebration of its 50th anniversary.

Jaguar E2A Overview

The Jaguar E2A, developed in 1960, was a pivotal racing prototype bridging the gap between the D-Type and E-Type. Built with an aluminum monocoque body and powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 293 hp, it showcased cutting-edge engineering and aerodynamic design. Despite challenges at Le Mans 1960, the E2A demonstrated Jaguar's innovation and served as a crucial step in the development of the iconic E-Type.

Jaguar E2A Technical Specification

Engine:

Configuration: Inline 6-cylinder.

Displacement: 2997 cc.

Power: 293 hp at 6750 rpm.

Bore x Stroke: 85 x 88 mm.

Compression Ratio: 10:1.

Transmission:

Type: 4-speed manual.

Suspension:

Front: Independent with double wishbones, torsion bars, and telescopic shock absorbers.

Rear: Independent with lower wishbones, dual coil springs over dampers.

Brakes:

Dunlop disc brakes on all four wheels.

Steering:

Rack-and-pinion system.

Chassis and Body:

Body Type: Aluminum monocoque.

Weight: 953 kg.

Wheelbase: 2440 mm.

Track Width (Front and Rear): 1220 mm.

Overall Dimensions:

Length: 4320 mm.

Width: 1590 mm.

Height: 1350 mm.

Interior:

Purpose-built racing cockpit with a lightweight design, minimalist controls, and racing instrumentation.

Jaguar E2A Photogallery