Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Low Drag .Identifying the most iconic Jaguar E-Type in the series might be challenging, but it’s undeniable that the one with registration number 4868WK holds a significant place in this category. Among the 12 Lightweight versions built at the factory, this one stands out. However, its fascinating story doesn’t end there. Commissioned by the Frankfurt-based Jaguar dealer, Peter Lindner, this car underwent unique bodywork modifications, making it one of a kind. After a brief racing career, a long period of storage, and meticulous restoration, this special E-Type recently changed hands, orchestrated behind the scenes by classic car expert Max Girardo and his team.
Back to the Roots: E-Type Lightweight as a Customer Racing Car
In the early 1960s, following the successes of the C-Type and D-Type models, Jaguar introduced the E-Type to the market. However, unlike its predecessors dedicated to competition, the initial E-Type was more geared towards the general sports car market. Some racing enthusiasts, including Peter Lindner, persisted and urged Jaguar to produce a competition-oriented version. In response to this demand, Jaguar designed the E-Type Lightweight in 1963, producing only 12 units destined for private racing drivers. More recently, six additional units were crafted as part of a Continuation Series. All these cars were Roadsters with a fixed hardtop, omitting chrome bumpers, and featuring an interior stripped of insulation and unnecessary comforts, focusing on pure performance.
The Bold Transformation: Transition to Low Drag Bodywork
What particularly sets the 4868WK model apart is its remarkable transition to “Low Drag” bodywork. At the initiative of Peter Lindner, Jaguar’s chief designer Malcolm Sayer undertook significant work to reduce aerodynamic drag. Combining painstaking wind tunnel hours with his engineering prowess, Sayer succeeded in creating a version of the E-Type that reduced drag by 16% compared to a conventional Roadster with a fixed hardtop. This “Low Drag” model featured a hand-riveted aluminum body, retaining the essence of the E-Type while enhancing its aerodynamic performance. In addition to these aerodynamic modifications, the original 3.8-liter inline-six engine was meticulously reworked, producing approximately 340 horsepower. This power level was paired with a tuned transmission, making this E-Type Lightweight Low Drag one of the most powerful and aerodynamic models ever produced by Jaguar at that time.
A Tragic Destiny on the Tracks: Brief Stint in Motorsport
Car 4868WK made its competitive debut in 1964 with Peter Lindner and co-driver Peter Nöcker at the helm. Competing in legendary races such as the Nürburgring 1000 Kilometers and the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this E-Type Lightweight Low Drag shared the track with formidable competitors such as the Ferrari 250 GTO and the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. Unfortunately, despite a promising performance, the Lindner/Nöcker team had to retire prematurely at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking the end of this exceptional car’s brief motorsport career.
The Resurrection: Meticulous Restoration and a New Owner Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Low Drag
Following a fatal accident involving Peter Lindner, the car was confiscated by the French police and stored for many years. Eventually, in 1974, Patrick Linsard was able to acquire the wreckage. The vehicle then passed through the expert hands of Lynx in the UK before joining the Rosso Bianco Collection in Aschaffenburg, Germany. In 2007, enthusiast Peter Neumark undertook the ambitious project of restoring the “Low Drag” bodywork. This task was entrusted to the E-Type specialists at Classic Motor Cars (CMC) in the UK. Over 5,000 hours were dedicated to restoring the bodywork, wisely reusing 90% of the original panels. Additionally, the drivetrain and interior underwent careful revisions, requiring another 4,000 hours of meticulous work. Recently, this E-Type Lightweight Low Drag found a new owner through Girardo & Co., marking a significant chapter in automotive history, preserving the heritage and prestige of this exceptional model.