This is Eagle’s ultimate homage to the Lightweight Jaguar E-Type, of which only 12 were manufactured for the 1963 racing season. The company claims it takes 8,000 hours to get each example of its Lightweight GT just right, making it one of the most exclusive E-Type continuation products around. To achieve such a feat, Eagle first takes an original Series 1 E-Type, where every panel is replaced with lightweight aluminium of a modern grade for improved safety and comfort on modern roads. According to Eagle, specialist craftsmen invest more than 2,500 hours hand-shaping these panels to create the overall shape.
Although clearly an E-Type, the company adds its own aerodynamic touches, including a deeper rear ramp angle, deeper sills and increased screen rake front and rear with bespoke glass. Wheel arch size has also been enlarged to accommodate 16-inch peg-drive magnesium alloy wheels, modelled on the original Dunlop racing wheels but wider, with a little more offset and one inch taller to allow more modern tyres.
To keep in-line with the original Jag models, the Lightweight GT uses a 4.7-litre straight-six engine, offered with an aluminium block, triple Weber carburettors, a new cylinder head and other mechanical improvements to ensure it performs as today’s customers demand. With 380bhp and 508Nm of torque sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, the 1,017kg classic is able to dash from 0-62mph in under five seconds and on to a slightly hairy top speed of 170mph.
There is no word on pricing but Eagle has stated its homage to the Lightweight E-Types is supposed to be driven and enjoyed, so it will offer the likes of air conditioning, luxury interior fabrics and even a state of the art Ohlins suspension system that favours comfort over all-out handling performance.
Eagle claims it has also fused traditional techniques and materials with cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D printing numerous levers and switches to make them more ergonomically sound. Most of the internal moving parts have also been replaced with lightweight magnesium for improved performance and reliability.
With each car taking 8,000 man hours to complete, Eagle claims it only has the capacity to produce two units a year, so you better get in quick if you fancy one.
Keyword: Eagle unleashes its ultimate tribute to the Jaguar E-Type