1963 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Zealia Lightweight Recreation

This 1963 E-Type left the factory as a left-hand drive roadster and was the 784th built. It returned to the UK and was registered here on the 22nd September 1995, and we believe it was converted to right-hand drive around this time. The conversion to a 'Lightweight' was carried out by Brian Wilkinson of Zealia Engineering who are particularly well-respected in the world of Classic Jaguars. Based upon a correct E-Type monocoque, engine frame and running gear, the outer panelling – beautifully shaped to replicate a proper Lightweight – is made from GRP. The result is a very light, very fast and very competent E-Type Jaguar suitable for use on the road and for circuit use

The car is fitted with a partial roll cage and all the (GRP) outer panels have been fitted to the original E-Type tub. We understand that Zealia reinforced the tub as per the original 'lightweights' and that uprated Willwood brakes were fitted. A 3.8-litre engine was re-built to competition specification with dry sump lubrication and side-draught Webers, and the gearbox has been replaced with a five-speed Getrag unit. The car sits on replica 'Lightweight E-Type' peg-drive 'Dunlop' wheels with three-eared spinners. Apart from the emergency cut-off switch on the dashboard panel, and the fire extinguisher, the interior is period correct and has not been stripped for racing, enabling the car to be enjoyed for road use. The car is offered with its original factory-issued engine, numbered, RE2818-9, as confirmed in the accompanying Jaguar Heritage Certificate.

We understand that once finished, the car was entered in a number of Scottish Motor Racing Club events at Knockhill during 1999 in the hands of its owner Steve Wallace.

In January 2017, one of the twelve original 1963 Lightweight E-Types, sold for a sterling equivalent of £5,860,000 and therefore this race-proven recreation offers incredible value for money. Presented today with some scuffs to the lightweight panels and in need of a little detailing, this car offers its new owner the opportunity to return the car to historic racing (all the 'lifed' safety equipment will need checking for dates), or with its fresh MOT, a very evocative, really quick, road legal E-Type.

An original early E-Type rebuilt to a decent competition specification, and prepared by a highly-regarded engineer, using proven chassis tweaks and accurate external panels, as an 'homage' to the world's most desirable Jaguars.