Ex-Tommy Sopwith 1961 Jaguar E-Type for Sale

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One of seven rare competition modified Jaguar E-Type produced by the factory in 1961, Formerly the property of Tommy Sopwith/Equipe Endeavour. Driven by Mike Parkes. Highly original condition. Nick Whale Sports Cars Direct has recently added the 1961 Jaguar E-Type ‘616 AUF’ to its portfolio of exclusive classic cars currently for sale.

The car, which is chassis number 18, is one seven very rare E-Types that were factory-designated ‘ZP537/24’ and which were specifically factory engineered and prepared for racing. Although Jaguar was not officially competing in motor sport in 1961, the factory fully understood the need to maintain a profile in the sport, and in 1961 the factory’s chief designer, Claude Bailly, issued an instruction to the production department to create the seven ‘ZP’ cars which were mildly modified to incorporate, amongst numerous changes, a competition clutch and a close ratio gear box.

All seven cars originally found there way into the hands of well known period race teams, with cars going to such noted owners as John Coombs, Peter Berry and Sir Gawaine Baillie. Chassis number 18 was purchased direct from Lofty England by Equipe Endeavour, the team run by Tommy Sopwith, and originally carried his cherished registration mark EE 400. At the same time Mr. Sopwith also acquired the sister car, which significantly became the first ever E-Type to win a race, driven to victory at Oulton Park by Graham Hill in May 1961. Chassis number 18 was the team’s ‘spare’ car and was also used as personal road transport for Mike Parkes, the team’s main competition driver.

Priced at £165,000, ‘616 AUF’ is offered for sale on the open market for the first time in many years, and offers a new owner the opportunity of securing a truly historic and eligible Jaguar E-Type in what is exceptionally original 1961 specification. This car represents an outstanding and ultra-rare opportunity to own such a significant part of Jaguar history.

For more information, please visit: www.nickwhale.com