OCTANE’S 20 GREATEST E-TYPES
THE E1A PROTOTYPE
Built in 1956, this prototype was the start of the E-type project. Designed to succeed the D-type at Le Mans where, following the dreadful accident in 1955, it was believed engine capacity would in future be limited, the car was created with both racing and production in mind and fitted initially with a 2.4-litre XK engine. The body was slightly smaller than the eventual E-type’s, and it had an early form of independent rear suspension. E1A, the ‘A’ standing for Aluminium, was developed by chief tester Norman Dewis and once sampled by Mike Hawthorn. Sadly, the car was later cut up but large chunks survived and the car is being re-created.
E2A
Though the D-type’s successor was originally conceived to be a dual-purpose racer and road car, as sports racing cars developed in the late ’50s it was realised that such a concept was no longer really feasible. So, the E2A prototype was designed as a pure racer and was in effect an extensively developed D-type. The story goes that American sportsman Briggs Cunningham spotted the prototype at Browns Lane and persuaded Sir William Lyons to have at least two built for him to enter at Le Mans in 1960. In reality, the guys in the Experimental Dept were pushed to complete even a single example. This was driven by Dan Gurney and Walt Hansgen but retired. The always-troublesome 3.0-litre engine was replaced by a 3.8 and the car shipped to the States, where it was piloted by Jack Brabham and Bruce McLaren.
THE PROTOTYPE & PRESS CAR
The fixed-head coupé registered 9600 HP was a prototype built in 1960 and is the oldest surviving E-type. In 1960 and early, , and plus which just achieved the magic figure and established the 150mph legend. For the tests, racing tyres were fitted and overriders and motif bar removed. The car also had a carefully selected engine, aluminium tailgate and Perspex rear windows. In March, Bob Berry and 9600 HP made a famous dash to Geneva. Jaguar PR manager Berry drove flat-out to arrive in Geneva with 20 minutes to spare before launching the E-type to the press. The car was photographed with Sir William Lyons and became the press car for a year. Later owners included film director and writer John Paddy Carstairs and racer Jack Fairman.
