Well this is a pleasant surprise. Entirely out of the blue, Jaguar has announced that half a dozen Lightweight E-Types will be made to finally complete the original 18-car production run. Just 12 were made between 1963 and 1964 with the last six 'missing'. These new E-Types will carry the chassis numbers assigned to those cars but which have lain dormant for 50 years.
The Lightweight was 114kg lighter than a standard E-Type thanks to using aluminium for the the body and engine block, removing much of the interior trim and even going as far as removing the exterior chrome. How are new aluminium Jags so heavy? Anyway, Jaguar is to build these last cars to the exact specification of the original 12, which also included a dry-sumped version of the 3.8-litre XK straight six. Should be quite a car then.
The price? TBA at this point. What is known is that they will cost less than originals currently sell for (that's from Harry Metcalfe, who reassuringly states they are making £4-5m) and that certain prospective customers will be prioritised. They will be those classed as 'established Jaguar collectors, especially those with historic race car interests'. Form an orderly queue now...
