1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Low Drag Coupé
1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Low Drag Coupé
Brand
Jaguar
Year
1963
Country
Great Britain
Generation
E-Type Series 1
1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Low Drag Coupé
Brand
Jaguar
Year
1963
Country
Great Britain
Generation
E-Type Series 1
About this car
Discover the history
The Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Low Drag Coupé is a rare and iconic variant of the E-Type, specifically engineered for racing in the early 1960s. Designed as a lightweight version to enhance Jaguar’s motorsport pedigree, it was intended to follow the D-Type’s success. Originally, Jaguar planned to produce 18 lightweight E-Types, but only 12 were built, with just a couple being modified into the distinct low-drag bodywork. This unique design was aimed at improving aerodynamics, particularly for high-speed racing at circuits like Le Mans. The low-drag concept was influenced by the need to reduce drag and increase speed, with a sleek, aerodynamic body that gave it a signature look different from the traditional E-Type.
The Low Drag Coupé was equipped with a highly tuned version of Jaguar’s 3.8-liter inline-six engine. Using lightweight aluminum body panels instead of the regular steel, it also employed advanced engineering for the chassis and suspension, making it much lighter and more agile than standard road-going E-Types. This combination of lightweight construction and high performance was designed to give Jaguar a competitive edge in endurance racing.
In terms of its racing pedigree, the E-Type Lightweight Low Drag Coupé was built for competition, including events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, although it did not enjoy the same level of success as Jaguar’s earlier D-Type. One notable appearance was at the 1964 Le Mans, where a privately entered low-drag E-Type driven by Peter Sargent and Peter Lumsden unfortunately retired from the race due to a gearbox failure. Despite such setbacks, the Low Drag Coupé became an iconic symbol of Jaguar’s racing efforts during this era.
While its on-track successes were limited, the car’s rarity and unique design have made it highly coveted by collectors. Over time, it has become one of the most sought-after and valuable E-Types in existence. Jaguar even revisited the idea of the lightweight E-Type decades later, building a limited series of continuation models that faithfully recreated the original cars, complete with the same specifications and attention to detail.
