Stunning Jaguar E-Type ‘Lightweight No.14’
H&H Classics has consigned the 1963 Jaguar E-Type ‘Lightweight No.14’ for its upcoming private sale showcase at Motorexpo, Canary Wharf, June 11-17. This sensational-looking motorcar was recently assembled by Classic Motor Cars Ltd (CMC) of Bridgnorth and is to full ‘Works’ specification complete with genuine Jaguar aluminium monocoque (No.14 of 18) and powered by a period all-alloy, fuel-injected 3.8-litre XK engine mated to an original factory ZF gearbox. Of optimum specification and considerable historical significance, it is without question one of the most desirable E-Types to come to open market in recent years. And, with values of each of the 12 original Lightweight E-Types currently increasing year-on-year, ‘4 GXO’ represents potentially wonderful value for money.
Jaguar produced just 12 all-aluminium Lightweight E-type race cars in 1963, but among the related spares were a further six bodyshells, eight all-alloy engines and a number of ZF gearboxes. Bodyshell No.14 remained unused until acquired by marque specialist Lynx Motors during its mid-1970s restoration of the famous Peter Lindner car, which had been very badly damaged in his fatal accident at Montlhéry in 1964. Both the reincarnation and the original twisted shell then sat at the Rosso Bianco Museum until 2007, when they were acquired by CMC. Having decided the original structure was restorable after all, they duly stripped bodyshell No.14 of its components, leaving it free as the basis of another Lightweight.
The all-alloy engine was acquired from the Walter Hill Collection in the USA and the ZF gearbox from marque specialist Eagle E-Types. The remaining parts were primarily sourced from a 1963 Roadster, whose chassis number was only 10 removed from that of the Lindner car. The seats are original Lightweight E-Type items and the registration ‘4 GXO’ is just two digits different to that worn by one of the 12 original Lightweight cars (‘2 GXO’).
‘4 GXO’ was recently tested by renowned Jaguar authority and historian Paul Skilleter, who is happy to regard it as ‘Lightweight No.14’ and therefore truly representative of the iconic Works cars of 1963. Said H&H’s Marketing Manager, Richard Caton: “We are naturally thrilled to be able to offer this very exciting E-Type, which provides a unique opportunity for Jaguar collectors the world over.”
London’s Motorexpo (motorexpo.com) is taking place at Canary Wharf, June 11-17. The H&H showcase will span the entire week – among the other cars consigned so far is one of only 20 Lamborghini Reventóns ever made. For further details of this and all other H&H sales, log onto handh.co.uk.
