Few classic cars are as sought-after as the Lightweight E-Type. They so rarely trade hands, in fact, that Jaguar recently found a way to build six more for deep-pocketed enthusiasts who couldn’t get their hands on one of the originals. But one is now coming up for auction, and it’s billed as the finest one in existence.
Consigned to Bonhams for its upcoming auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the 10th of the 12 factory Lightweight E-Types originally made. It was extensively raced and even won the 1963 Australian GT Championship, yet remains in highly original condition.
Chassis number S850667 has less than 4,000 miles on the odometer and has only had three owners in its half-century of history – including its current owner, who has kept it largely out of the limelight since 1999.
“It’s an honor to represent such an original and genuine example of these epic and legendary cars,” said Bonhams’ Jakob Greisen. “Not only is this an incredible car by any measure, but it’s also the first time a Lightweight E-Type has been offered in the US for more that 17 years.”
This also marks the first time that a Lightweight E-Type is going up for auction anywhere in the world in over a decade, all of which contributes to the pre-sale estimate of $7,500,000-$8,500,000 – many times more than the ~$1.5 million Jaguar charged for each of the six continuation examples. The gavel is set to drop at the Westin Kierland on January 19.
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