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This exceptional 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupé, chassis number 861049, boasts a remarkable history steeped in motorsport, culminating in being raced by none other than Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button at the prestigious 2021 Goodwood Revival. Originally built in December 1962 as a right-hand-drive model and delivered through Cycle & Carriage in Singapore, this E-Type was initially configured in Red over Cream hide, as confirmed by the accompanying copy of the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate issued in October 2013. While its early history remains undocumented, the car was registered in the United Kingdom under the registration “XJI 787” from the year 2000 onwards. During this period, finished in dark green, it spent time near Brighton and subsequently, from 2011, in the renowned “Motorsport Valley” region surrounding Silverstone, even making an appearance at the Sunday Scramble event held at Bicester Heritage.
Transformation into a Historic Race Car: Acquired by a new owner in October 2017, this Jaguar underwent a significant transformation by Valley Motorsport of Shropshire, a respected E-Type specialist. The objective was to convert the car into an FIA Appendix K historic race car, adhering strictly to the period-correct specifications. Presented in a striking Old English White over Black trim, “XJI 787” made its competitive debut at the Castle Combe Autumn Classic national meeting in October 2020. Competing in the Norman Dewis Trophy, a race held in honour of Jaguar’s legendary test driver and exclusively for pre-1966 Jaguars, accomplished GT and historic racer Alex Buncombe showcased the car’s potential by converting a pole position start into a dominant maiden victory.
Triumphs at Silverstone and the Goodwood Revival: The E-Type continued its competitive journey at the Silverstone Classic in the summer of 2021. In the highly anticipated 60th Anniversary E-Type Challenge race, Buncombe further demonstrated the car’s prowess by securing a class win, finishing 13th overall in a competitive field. This success led to an invitation to the esteemed Goodwood Revival in September of the same year. In the Friday twilight Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy race, an event for pre-1963 closed-cockpit GT cars often lauded for its exceptionally valuable entry list in club motorsport, Buncombe was partnered by his long-time friend, Jenson Button. Making his debut at the Goodwood Motor Circuit and needing to adapt to the nuances of historic racing, the 2009 Formula 1 World Champion qualified in 19th position on a grid filled with racing legends. However, Button and Buncombe showcased their racing pedigree by brilliantly fighting their way through the field to a commendable 7th place finish, making them the third-ranked E-Type in the race.
Continued Racing and Provenance: Subsequently acquired by the current consigning owner, the E-Type has been meticulously maintained by CKL Developments, a well-regarded specialist based in East Sussex. Since then, the car has participated in three further races, including a return to the Silverstone Classic in 2022. The vehicle is accompanied by an FIA Historic Technical Passport, issued in 2020 and available for inspection, confirming its compliance with FIA Appendix K regulations. Furthermore, the Jaguar’s 3,868-cc straight-six engine has been certified in accordance with Motorsport UK guidelines. Notably, this historically significant race car is also road legal in the United Kingdom. Engine and Performance: The 3,868-cc straight-six engine, a hallmark of the early E-Type, provided significant power for its era, contributing to its reputation as a capable and engaging sports car. While specific horsepower figures for this competition-prepared engine are not explicitly stated in the provided text, FIA Appendix K regulations would have dictated period-correct engine modifications aimed at optimizing performance for historic racing. This would typically involve enhancements to the cylinder head, camshafts, and exhaust system to maximize power output and torque within the historical racing guidelines. The proven race results, including a pole position and victory, along with a class win, underscore the effectiveness of the engine and the car’s overall performance capabilities on the track.
Eligibility for Prestigious Historic Racing Events: This Jaguar E-Type stands as a proven competitive race car with the distinguished honour of having been driven by a Formula 1 World Champion. Its established racing history and FIA Appendix K compliance make it eligible for entry into some of the most prestigious and highly regarded meetings on the international historic racing calendar, offering a unique opportunity for its next owner to participate in top-tier historic motorsport events.
Summary:
- Raced by Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button at the 2021 Goodwood Revival
- Built into an FIA Appendix K historic race car by Valley Motorsport
- Scored a maiden pole position and victory at the 2020 Castle Combe Autumn Classic
- Achieved a class win at the 2021 Silverstone Classic
- Maintained by CKL Developments
- Accompanied by FIA Historic Technical Passport and engine scrutineering certificate
- Road legal in the UK
- Powered by a 3,868-cc straight-six engine
- Eligible for prestigious historic racing events
**Disclaimer: Information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on available details. Potential buyers are advised to conduct their own thorough inspection and verification of any vehicle.
AI Assistance: Gemini
