While its calling card may be restorations and customizations of vintage Porsche models, California-based Canepa has now “reimagined” the 1964 Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe — the offspring of a vehicle that Enzo Ferrari once dubbed, “the most beautiful car ever made.”
History of the Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe.
Jaguar debuted the successor to the D-Type at the 1961 Geneva Auto Show. However, the E-Type with its magnificent curves wasn’t necessarily an aerodynamic performance car that it had the chance to be. And so in 1963, it put into motion a plan for 18 vehicles called the all-aluminum Lightweight E-Type. Only 12 were built at the time with the other six having since been built by Jaguar after the fact.
Nonetheless, three of the 12 were toyed with to up their competitive edge, becoming known as the E-Type Low Drag Coupe. While each of the three Low Drag Coupes were different from the others, it was the No. 49FXN variant that became the reference car for Marco Diaz’s working replica for Canepa.
Canepa 1964 Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe Basics
Using a heap of archival materials like original blueprints, documents, and rare photographs, Diaz was also assisted by aerodynamicist Dr. Samir Klat who was on the original design team for Jaguar. From there, a pair of cars were built. One was a left-hand-drive street car, “OWL226,” and the other was a U.K.-spec racer, “13FXN,” which now remains at Goodwood.
Originally debuting at the 2019 Quail Motorsports Gathering to widespread acclaim, the OWL226 is now being sold by Canepa. Showing just 776 miles on the odometer, the vehicle is finished on the outside in a beautiful titanium gray metallic finish while the interior has been given a unique blue leather upholstery.
Like the original 1964 model, the Canepa recreation is fitted with a Jaguar 3.8L inline-six engine that delivers 380hp, which is actually more than the original (261hp). Handcrafted by Ed Pink Racing Engines in southern California, the engine also boasts precision components from Croswaithe & Gardiner. The latter also helped fashion the chassis and suspension along with RS Panels. Other features include custom Koni shocks, 15-inch magnesium wheels, and switches salvaged from old RAF fighter planes.
Spec Sheet
Model: Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe Recreation
Model Year: 1964
Engine: 3.8L inline-six
Power: 380hp
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Wheels: 15” magnesium
Shocks: Koni custom
Mileage: 766
Pricing & Availability
Those interested in this special recreation vehicle can head over to Canepa’s website and request more information.
Recap
1964 Canepa Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe Recreation
Canepa recreated this one-of-three 1964 Jaguar E-Type Low Drag Coupe as a road car.
