Born as a late 1962 model year, 3.8-litre Roadster, this chassis number 878364 was originally finished in Opalescent Bronze over a beige interior and was delivered new to the Netherlands. In 2005 for a previous owner in Germany, this car was built to be a recreation of Jaguar’s iconic E-Type Low-Drag Coupé (CUT7). Converted to right hand drive configuration, the aluminium-alloy bodywork was handcrafted by RS Panels in Nuneaton, located just north of Coventry. The new bodywork helps to lower the car’s drag coefficient by some 10% over a E-Type Lightweight.

Under the bonnet, the car has been fitted with a new Sigma Engineering race engine fitted in 2018 after the pistons on the prior engine were found to be damaged. This included sourcing a new thick steel 3.8-litre cylinder block and fitting new forged pistons, steel con-rods, a new triple-plate competition clutch, and a lighter flywheel alongside the prior engine’s crankshaft. The engine was topped with a Crosthwaite & Gardiner wide-angle cylinder head and intake manifold. Invoices total to just under £45,000 for this engine work. The engine is topped with triple Weber 48 DCO3 carburetors and power is managed through a Denis Welch Motorsport four-speed, straight-cut gearbox. Finally, the car is also fitted with a full roll cage and long-range fuel tank.

Built with historic racing in mind, this E-Type has been campaigned at a number of vintage racing events across continental Europe, including Le Mans Legends in 2015, the 2016 Le Mans Classic, and the Spa Six Hours. At Spa, the car participated in the Spa Six Hours in both 2014 and 2015, where it finished 7th in class and 1st in class respectively.

Cemented in British motorsport lore, the Low-Drag E-Type has captivated the hearts and minds of enthusiasts for generations and although only one Low-Drag coupe was built, replicas built for historic racing remain both popular and competitive today. Proven to be competitive in at both the Le Mans Classic and Spa Six Hours, this Low-Drag Replica would be welcome at a variety of top-tier vintage racing events.

Please note that this lot is currently on display at CARS in Chobham at Alpha 319 Chobham Business Centre, Chertsey Road, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8JB and can be viewed on appointment on Thursday October 29th and Friday October 30th between 9am and 5pm. Please contact our office at +44 (0) 20 7851 7070 or email Britta Buchmann at bbuchmann@rmsothebys.com to secure your appointment. Should you want more information on this lot, feel free to email jlittle@rmsothebys.com