1965 JAGUAR E-TYPE 3.8 SEMI-LIGHTWEIGHT ROADSTER

This Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Semi-Lightweight Roadster is a restored custom competition build, and a superb tribute to the original Lightweight cars. Under the bonnet is a 3.8-litre steel block straight-six, fed by Weber 45 DCOE carburettors and producing around 300bhp, coupled to a four-speed all-synchromesh manual transmission with an AP competition clutch and a limited-slip differential.

The chassis number on offer left the Jaguar factory on 1 March 1965 as a 4.2-litre Fixed Head Coupe in right-hand drive, and was first used by dealer Pollards & Critchley in Liverpool as a demonstrator. It is believed to have remained in its original form for more than 40 years, before a decision was made to fully rebuild the car for historic racing in 2011, converted to Semi-Lightweight Roadster specifications.

Its conversion build was carried out by classic Jaguar racing and restoration specialist West Riding, using a genuine 1965 tub and with the outer panels in aluminium, including the rear wings and boot lid, doors, and the clamshell bonnet. Its Lightweight-style hardtop was fabricated from fibreglass. The racing livery was finished in tribute to the Briggs Cunningham Le Mans cars in white with blue stripes. Its specification includes an aluminium radiator and header tank, racing fuel cell, tubular exhaust manifolds, and magnesium alloy wheels; all to FIA specifications where required.

Thoroughly enjoyed on the road and track for around six years, it participated in a wide range of European events, including the Nürburgring Oldtimer GP in 2012, 2014 and 2016; Großglockner Rennen in 2014 and 2015; Salzburgring 'Sounds of Speed' in 2015; and both the Jochpass Rennen and Roßfeld Rennen in 2016. The car was then treated to a mechanical restoration and body repaint four years ago, with its engine also rebuilt.

Cosmetically, the car remains in good order following the most recent repaint, with minor marks that you would expect from competition use, and more noticeable grazes under the nose, but overall looking presentable for a historic racing car.

Inside, the cabin is stripped out for motorsport use, with only the original dashboard shape giving away the car’s identity. There are classic style bucket seats with six-point Schroth harnesses, a Momo Prototipo steering wheel, Lifeline fire extinguisher system, and a raft of other FIA-specification equipment. There are no faults with any of the switchgear or racing features, and no electrical issues.

The car last received a thorough inspection just 200 miles ago, and has been given a full check-over every year while in the current collection, despite only covering a handful of miles each year.

The car comes with an excellent history file, as well as its FIA Historic Technical Passport (HTP) paperwork. It is a well-known vehicle in the historic motorsport community, thanks to appearances in some of the most popular events. Given its age and correct preparation, it would also be eligible for the likes of the Silverstone Classic, Spa 6 Hours, Tour Auto, and Modena Cento Ore.

This Jaguar E-Type 3.8 ‘Semi-Lightweight’ Roadster is a stunning competition build, which was fastidiously executed around 10 years ago by a renowned specialist, and which has since seen precisely the sort of motorsport use that was intended. Having been freshly overhauled and repainted just four years ago, it is now ready for many more miles on track - or as a pared-back fast road car - in the hands of another enthusiast owner.

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