Incredible Eagle Lightweight GTR takes to the road
Ever wondered what a 430hp-per-tonne E-Type might look like? Eagle has the sublime answer
When Eagle has a new commission to show the world, the world pays attention. Because over the past 40-odd years, the Sussex-based company has forged a reputation for some of the most spectacular Jaguar E-Type restorations the world has ever seen. As is often the case, these were more limited in scope (and less well known) once upon a time; but once we’d all seen Speedsters, Lightweights and Spyders, Eagle’s status as restomod royalty was assured. Now comes its most extreme project yet, the astonishing Lightweight GTR.
It is the vision of a client who wanted to retain the drivability that Eagle E-Types have become known for, while also reducing weight as far as possible. “Today's performance cars are getting increasingly big and heavy, relying on advanced electronics to disguise the mass”, he said, “I'm not sure those cars will age very well, so I commissioned Eagle to build me the antithesis: a car that is as light as possible without sacrificing comfort, devoid of screens or other electronics.” The result is an E-Type that’s around 30 per cent lighter than the original would have been, at just 975kg with fluids. So aluminium, magnesium and titanium are used throughout, but there’s also heated glass, air-con and proper insulation. It’s an eminently usable Jaguar E-Type, just one that weighs a kilo more than a Dacia Spring. Incredible.
It’s a very fast Jaguar E-Type, too, thanks in part to that kerbweight - but also owing to Eagle’s latest evolution of the straight six. The 4.7 now benefits from titanium conrods (and a 500rpm higher limiter as a result), triple Weber carbs (that look just as good as you’d hope for), plus an exhaust made from Inconel and titanium. That obsession with weight-saving extends throughout the Lightweight GTR.
Need further proof? This is an E-Type with carbon ceramic brakes (!), clasped by AP Racing calipers; the hubs are titanium, which sounds almost as pricey on their own as adjustable Ohlins with a custom spring rate. ‘GTR’ initially seems like an odd moniker for a classic Jaguar, until it’s considered just how extreme this overhaul is.
The inside definitely leans into the road racer vibe, with lightweight aluminium seats, four-point harnesses, Alcantara throughout - and a magnetic phone dock. No need for an expensive infotainment system if the phone can be plonked where needed. But luxury hasn’t been entirely abandoned at the altar of performance, either; the interior switches are made from platinum with mother of pearl inlays…
So even by Eagle standards, this is a very special E-Type. ‘A road-legal GT, but one with the heart, soul and performance of a racer’, as Eagle calls it, would appear to sum up the GTR nicely. Eagle’s Paul Brace added: "We have been working with E-Types for over 40 years and one thing has always been true – we couldn't do it without enthusiastic customers having supreme faith in us, our philosophy and our abilities. The owner of the Lightweight GTR came with carefully considered ideas and considerable passion for the project. It has been an absolute joy to work with him and to help realise his vision in such a successful way. Not only has he achieved his automotive dream, but he has enabled us to push the envelope of what is possible. We are immensely proud of the result." Where on earth Eagle can take the E-Type from here, we don’t know; but given enough time (and money), you know they’ll make jaws drop all over again.
Looking at the Eagle website, I'm really not sure which one I'd choose if I had the coin. I always liked the idea of one of their updated E-Types that retains the standard looks, but the Spyder GT and Lightweight GT look bloody brilliant. Choosing would be a lovely problem to have!
I am sure you could buy a real lightweight for that
I am sure you could buy a real lightweight for that
I am sure you could buy a real lightweight for that
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