Currently on sale through the venerable classic and one-of-a-kind automobile seller Duncan Hamilton, the 1965 Jaguar E-Type Semi-Lightweight has a history that is as unique as the car itself. This high-performance marvel was born from the mind of Sir Paul Vestey, one of the most legendary drivers from the era of the gentleman racer. Vestey and his fellow gentleman racers had a passion for fast driving, a reputation for exceptional endurance, and a flair for spectacle and style.
The 1965 Jaguar E-Type Semi-Lightweight is the embodiment of all of these values. Vestey commissioned this roadster after using his automotive industry contacts to purchase a bare tub directly from the Jaguar Factory. Mating this tub to a 3.8-liter wide-angle D-type race engine and outfitting it in a featherweight, all-aluminum body, Vestey created a racer with no equal.
After racing the car across the United Kingdom in 1966, Vestey sold it to another legendary driver John Lewis, who, in turn, drove the Jaguar to victories in a staggering number of races. Events that have been graced by the presence of this incredible automobile include the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Le Mans Classic, and the Tour Auto.