Ex-Bob Jane Factory Lightweight Jaguar E-type on the block
The 1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight that was steered to an Australian GT Championship victory by Bob Jane, is expected to sell for up to $8.5M at auction next month
"The most beautiful car ever made" is a phrase that doesn’t get thrown around lightly, but it seems to be said about the Jaguar E-Type far too often to be ignored. The low-slung, long-bonneted coupe from 1961 set the standard for both looks and performance, so it’s no surprise that they’re hugely desirable in today’s money. Then there’s the E-Type Lightweight, by far the most valuable of the bunch.
Between 1963 and 1964, Jaguar built 12 Lightweight E-Types. They were purpose-built racecars that quickly succeeded, earning the nickname ‘GTO Killer’ for their performance on track. At the time, Jaguar allocated six additional chassis numbers, but they were mysteriously never produced.
Two years ago, Jag’s heritage division announced that it would build the remaining six Lightweights, to wear the unused chassis numbers from the 1960s. The ‘continuation series’ cars alone sold for more than $1.5 million apiece.
Now, a highly-desirable 1963 model has come out of the woodwork, to be sold at next year’s Scottsdale Auction. The 1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Competition, number 10 of the initial 12 built, is expected to fetch $7,500,000 - $8,500,000. Not only is it in mint condition with less than 4,000 original miles, what makes it extra special is the fact that it was once piloted to an Australian GT Championship win by none other than Bob Jane.
"It's an honour to represent such an original and genuine example of these epic and legendary cars," says Jakob Greisen, Bonhams' Head of US Motoring. "Not only is this an incredible car by any measure, but it's also the first time a Lightweight E-Type has been offered in the US for more than 17 years."
The Bonhams Scottsdale Auction takes place on Thursday, January 19th at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. Click here to see the Bonhams listing of the Ex Bob Jane Jag.
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