Written by Philip Porter and James Page
This book is no. 8 in a series of books called Great Cars from publisher Porter Press.
This book tells the fascinating story of the significant 1963 Lightweight Jaguar E-type (49 FXN) it was one of only two lightweights which were famously given an aerodynamic makeover by Dr Sami Klat of Imperial College, London, for the 1964 season in order to give them a higher straight line speed.
Purchased by Peter Lumsden and Peter Sargent from the factory in 1963, the sleek car proved its high-speed potential by hitting 168 mph on the Mulsanne straight and by running third in the GT class at Le Mans in 1964 until forced to retire soon after nightfall with gearbox failure. Only one GT rival beat its lap time and that was a Shelby Cobra Dayton. Three months later it achieved another prestigious result – best-placed E-type and fifth in the GT class – at the Tourist Trophy at Goodwood.
Known by its registration number, 49 FXN, this celebrated Lightweight E-type has remained active for most of its life more recently competing at the Coys Festival in 2000, and Goodwood Revival in 2000, 01, 02 and 2004 driven under Viscount Cowdray ownership by Ludovic Lindsay and Derek Bell. Lindsay said of driving the car “The weight different wasn’t immediately apparent but everything was crisper, but it was not built for comfort, everything rattles and shakes!”
If you are a Jaguar E-Type racer or owner this books makes a fascinating read it is highly illustrated with period racing images, and colour shots from the more recent history and rebuild work by CKL developments races and tours all with first account reports from everyone who has driven, owned or raced this car.
Brilliant.
Published by Porter Press International
Standard Edition ● Hardback ● RRP: £60 ● ISBN: 978-1-907085-20-8
