While Jaguar is currently busy reinventing itself, there are many who still remember what the car maker used to be—the glory days of the iconic E-Type. British coachbuilder Eagle has been crafting updated versions of the E-Type for a bit now, but the company's latest creation takes things to a level Jaguar’s own engineers could only have dreamed of. Say hello to the Eagle Lightweight GTR.
Eagle isn’t new to the E-Type game. In fact, the company has been selling, restoring, and restomodding E-Types for longer than the production run of the actual car. Jaguar built the E-Type from 1961 up until 1974, while Eagle has been working on the sleek machines for over 40 years. The brand knows the car inside and out, and this new Lightweight GTR may be the top of the mountain.
The idea started with a client request. The buyer was seeking a vehicle that serves as an antithesis to modern vehicles, which are climbing ever higher in terms of curb weight and increasing complexity. The client asked Eagle for a car that’s as light as possible, still comfortable, devoid of screens, and that combines incredible performance with timeless beauty.
I’d say Eagle nailed this one, based on that request. The Lightweight GTR is an updated take on a version of the E-Type that Jaguar built for racing. Jag called that car the Lightweight E-Type, and it was intended purely for motorsports efforts.
Gallery: Eagle E-Type Lightweight GTR
Eagle’s version is ready for road duty, yet it manages a curb weight of just 930 kilograms. That’s a tick over 2,000 pounds. That’s not just lighter than an ND Miata. The Eagle Lightweight GTR weighs about the same as an NA Miata. Fill the Lightweight GTR with fluids and you’re up to 975kg.
Eagle crafts the car from a mix of materials such as aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and carbon. The badges are painted on to save weight. In the engine bay, the 4.7-liter straight-six employs titanium connecting rods and breathes through a trio of Weber carburettors. Those con rods raise the rev limit by 500 rpm, which allows Eagle to pull a bit more power from the mill.
Eagle revises the suspension, fits adjustable Ohlins dampers, and bolts on AP racing calipers at the corners. The chassis is set up for long-range comfort while remaining wickedly capable on curvy slivers of tarmac.
This concept of long-distance comfort comes through in the cabin as well. Despite the car's weight, the seats still have Alcantara trim, there are mother-of-pearl inlays for added vibes, and a small magnetic dock for your phone. The glass is heated. You still get air conditioning, and there’s still sound and heat insulation. You will arrive at your destination happy, instead of drenched in sweat.
So, how much does it cost to put an Eagle Lightweight GTR in your garage? A cool one million pounds, or north of $1.3-million USD. That’s a lot of scratch, but tell me that exhaust note doesn’t scratch a primal itch deep in your soul.
Maybe Jaguar should listen to the exhaust note, too…
