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Jaguar Lightweight E-Type Speedster by Eagle.
The first Speedster was built as a special ‘one off’ commission for an American client who requested something even more special than our ‘usual’ bespoke Jaguar E-Type roadsters and on completion of the first car a dedicated website was created in order to tell the story and show what Eagle can achieve; www.jaguarspeedster.com
Concept,design and production is by Paul Brace who has been with Eagle for 23 years.
Although initially a ‘one off’ we had such great interest in the red Speedster that we built another in black and will probably build several more. There will only ever be a very limited number due to the small size of our company and they will be all aluminium hand built special commissions and will be each be built to order…..hence they will all remain very exclusive and very special indeed.
It is important to note that we begin the process with an original Series 1 Jaguar E-Type and, although the transformation is dramatic, the Speedster can still be considered a genuine Jaguar E-Type.
This latest ‘Lightweight’ variant (The second E-Type Speedster) is finished in black and is dramatically different from the first red Speedster that we built in 2009;
In 1963 Jaguar produced 12 all aluminium Lightweight E-Types with aluminium engines and fuel injection for racing and they have subsequently become well established as the ‘Lightweights’. Our ‘Lightweight’ Speedster is homage to those very special originals and with its aluminium body, engine, gearbox and differential the developments beyond the first Speedster are bold and dramatic.
Each Speedster client will choose the exact specification and colours to suit their absolute precise wishes.
Speedster number 1 is a very nicely specified E-Type, and is extremely capable – but this new ‘lightweight’ version in addition incorporates our 4.7 litre aluminium engine block, aluminium diff casing and fuel injection as well - the result weighs just 1008kg dry - and performance is staggering.
The bespoke nature of the process extends through every element of each project and the tailoring undertaken by the client is an enjoyable and important part of the journey.
None of our regular steel E-Type roadsters have ever been built to the same specification because they are all bespoke - and the Speedsters will be even more individual again.
Apart from the basic ‘flavours’ of Classic, GT, Sport or SuperSport as a starting point, there is a myriad of detail, trim, and fittings options to choose from and we are well equipped to produce personally detailed badges etc down to the finest detail.
Of course, the result is not only visually stunning and unique but it performs sensationally as well. The underpinnings are our tried and tested Eagle E-Type modifications and upgrades which we have been developing for over 20 years. The development continues to evolve today and includes increasingly impressive and ambitious things in addition to our 4.7 litre KX engine - such as speed sensitive electric power assisted steering and a compact and aesthetically pleasing re-circulating air conditioning system. These modifications are only available to cars that we have personally built or supplied maintaining ultimate exclusivity for the Eagle client.
The Speedster will never be productionized and will remain one of the most exclusive truly hand built cars in the world and costs around £550,000 dependant on specification.
Bullet pointed overview and explanation of the Speedster concept etc:
Concept:
- Extra special E-Type to extend Jaguar’s ‘original’ range of Roadster, Coupe and 2+2.
- Aesthetic redesigning remains faithful and in keeping with Jaguar in the 1960’s.
Description;
- All aluminium roadster with more muscular and masculine dedicated open bodywork.
- Underpinning is that of our well proven Eagle E-Type Sport with 4.7 litre engine and 5 speed gearbox
(Eagle specification changes are technically advanced but highly discreet and avoid diluting the spirit of originals)
Primary bespoke alterations;
- Screen is lower and more raked back with shaped wind down side glass and hidden ‘A’ posts
- Deeper sills & lower floor pan increase overall burly appearance and lower driver seating position.
- Rear decking is extended forwards and scalloped around seats
- Rear deck extends further centrally and drops into cockpit creating a ‘waterfall’ console
- Body colour sheet metal extends from waterfall, around scallops and across door tops
- Console sweeps forwards through cabin and flares into centre dash as an integrated designed feature
- Handbrake lever is fully hidden
- Wheel track is increased and wheel arch width extended
- Narrowed number plate aperture to suit USA registration plates and short UK reg’s
- Wide alloy spoked rims
- Pure and clean body shell detailing with no seams and flush bonded fittings inc.glass.
- ‘Speedster’ 3 eared wheel spinners, enamel horn push and flush fitting nose and tail badging
- Tailpipes are subtly frenched into boot floor
- Two stage heated seats
- Original 3.8 Jaguar type ‘dotted’ aluminium dash and console fascia panels
General notes:
- It weighs 1008kg and has over 340ft/lb of torque
- The performance is staggeringly good and it is a very nice, enjoyable and pleasant car to drive.
- Technical specification can be tailored to suit any individual as per our world renowned Eagle E-types
- Personal Speedster detailing can be discussed and accommodated to create unique hand built masterpieces
Speedster Lightweight Specification:
Engine |
4.7 litre, aluminium in line 6 cylinder, longitudinal front mounted |
Cylinder head |
Aluminium twin cam big valve. |
Max power |
310bhp @ 4800rpm |
Max Torque |
340lb ft @ 3600rpm |
Fuelling |
Fuel injection with individual throttle bodies and ECU |
Transmission |
Aluminium 5 speed gearbox, aluminium Power Lock differential |
Suspension |
Independent wishbones with 6 high tech adjustable dampers |
Brakes |
315mm/280mm vented discs, Aluminium 4 pot calipers, servo assistance |
Steering |
Rack and pinion |
Wheels |
6 x 16 front, 7.5 x 16 rear, aluminium rims with stainless steel spokes |
Tyres |
225/55 x 16 front, 245/55 x 16 rear |
Weight |
1008kg dry |
0 – 60mph |
under 5 seconds |
Top speed |
160mph plus |
Height |
1000mm |
Length |
4260mm |
Width |
1740mm |
SOURCE: Eagle E Types