Jaguar E-type 'Semi-Lightweight' (1961)

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Widely Regarded as One the Most Raced E-Type in Existence

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Transmission:
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Drive Side:
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United KingdomLocation: United Kingdom United KingdomTitle/Tax Status: United Kingdom

At its reveal at the Geneva Motorshow in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type caused quite a stir, a beautiful 150mph car available at half the price of an Aston Martin. Manufactured by Jaguar between 1961 and 1975, a combination of good looks, high performance, and competitive pricing ensured the car was an instant legend. In period, a Ferrari cost three times more and supplied less horsepower which established the E-Type as an icon not just of 1960s motoring but of British culture. The model became a great success for Jaguar; at its release Enzo Ferrari called it "The most beautiful car ever made". The model was made in three distinct versions which are now generally referred to as "Series 1", "Series 2" and "Series 3". A transitional series between Series 1 and Series 2 is known, unofficially, as "Series 1½". For collectors today, the earlier cars are the most desirable.

As successful as the E-Type was with consumers, it was perhaps even more significant when it arrived at the track. The race car’s aluminium bodywork, independent suspension and disc brakes were evocative of the D-Type before it and were still incredibly advanced at the time. This made the E-Type a very well performing car, and it underwent several racing guises. The E-Type racing legacy began with the Low Drag Coupe and was followed by twelve, now eighteen, factory lightweights. Unfortunately, Jaguar did not fully commit to any 1960s racing endeavours, but thanks to third party efforts both in period and more recently, the E-type has a continued legacy not only as a stylistic and cultural icon, but also as a staple model in any historic racing paddock.

With thorough ownership and competition history from new, the 20th E-type roadster, more commonly known by its UK registration mark ‘YRP 999’, is highly regarded as one of the most raced E-types extant. First owner Derek Wilkinson collected the car on 25th July 1961. A great friend of Lofty England, Wilkinson owned a parts business supplying Jaguar, and, already a seasoned racer, purchased the E-type to replace his Lola Mk1.

Short of time with work commitment, Wilkinson under the guidance of England, agreed to have John Bekaert pilot the E-type. Wilkinson and Bekaert had met through a Lister-Jaguar in 1958. As such, YRP 999 was first entered for competition in the Autosport 2000 series of 1961, and was even entered into the very first race that any E-Type took part in at Oulton Park in 1961 (a race that the car did not start but was won by the famous ECD 400).

After Wilkinson and Bekaert, the car passed to fellow enthusiast John Woolfe of Woolferace (later Wolfrace) wheels. It is believed that Woolfe was responsible for a Le Mans style tank, extensive use of aluminium panelling and other modifications including adoption of a 'D' Type chronometric tachometer helping bring the car to early semi lightweight specification.

In March of 1969, YRP 999 was purchased by Terry McGrath to race under the Concross Racing Team banner alongside several other British greats, D-type, Connaught and Lola. Purchased in its dark green livery, the Jaguar was repainted in dark blue under McGrath.

Its next custodian, Bob Vincent, continued to compete in the car. The modifications continued with driver Martin Ryan confirming Vincent further lowered and stiffened the suspension, modified brake ducting to the boot outlet. YRP was resprayed Signal Red and later purchased by Ryan who would use the car exclusively in competition. Evidence of its prowess on track can be found with its 168mph top end at Goodwood!

The car was returned to HSCC specification in 1972 and subsequently purchased by Martin Johnson, who permitted Ryan to continue racing the car. Alexander Boswell purchased the car in 1974 and YRP would remain unraced for the next 5 years.

Extracted from storage in 1980 and having found residence with co-owners Mr White and Mr Cressingham; a lengthy restoration commenced. Works commenced and the bodyshell was refinished once more in its original Opalescent Dark Green. Its next custodian would purchase the car some 11 years later with the restoration still incomplete. Lynx Motors completed the restoration under the specific instruction that original parts and modifications must be retained unless strictly necessary. Post works and between 1995 and 2005, YRP was carefully and cautiously entered into selected events including the Donington 35th and 40th E-type celebration races.

Between 2005 and 2022, YRP 999 was piloted by some of the all-time great racing drivers including Jackie Oliver, Anthony Reid, John Cleland and very regularly by Martin Stretton, who oversaw the cars maintenance and race preparation, always ensuing the car was kept “on the button”. Ensuring YRP retained its original charm, the result was very much a front running car and a regular contender at the best events, with a number of unique period features.

Having taken part in almost 10 Goodwood Revival TTs the car is very regular feature at the world’s greatest historic meetings. YRP most recently raced at the Goodwood Revival TT in 2022, piloted by the Ex-F1 driver Jean- Éric Vergne.

Today YRP 999 presents fresh from a total re-preparation by experts Pursuit Racing. Wholly stripped, rebuilt and reassembled, today the car makes for genuine contender for winning the Goodwood TT. With works totallying £80,000, Pursuit Racing have rebuilt the engine, fitted a new differential, a gearbox refresh and bespoke wiring loom, all new gauges, bag tank and tank cage, new straight through exhaust, new oil and fuel lines and interior retrim. All corners have been rebuilt with a refreshed brake system. The car is currently fitted a race-spec 3.8-litre aluminium block engine built by Init Racing, but it comes accompanied with a cast iron block 3.8-litre E-Type engine; a spare bonnet also accompanies the car as well as the full history file, and of course full valid FIA papers until December 2025.

Since the works were carried out, YRP has been prepared with no expense spared. Whilst the car was prepared for competition in numerous events, a busy schedule meant YRP was only run in a small percentage of them. Of those prepared, YRP saw just three outings in 2023; a three-day test at Estoril, a two-hour sixties race at the Spa Classic and a Goodwood track day. In 2024, the car saw a little more action; a two-day test, the Tour Auto and the Spa Classic.

Post rebuild, the E-type tips the scales at a scant 1,056kg against a Peter Auto minimum weight of 1,000kg. Today YRP 999 is accompanied by numerous spares including a spare engine and differential, YRP further presents with a ‘tour’ package, bespoke flightcase and history folio.

  • The 20th RHD E-Type Roadster produced
  • Raced from its very earliest days, and regarded as one of the most raced E-Types
  • YRP has competed in no less than 10 Goodwood TTs
  • Currently fitted a race-spec 3.8-litre aluminium block engine built by Init Racing
  • FIA Papers Valid until 2025
  • Fresh from a total mechanical overhaul with Pursuit Racing
  • Accompanied by a thorough spares package including iron block engine and differential
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