Description
Assembled on March 7th, 1962, this Jaguar E-Type 3. 8 Roadster left the Coventry production line before being delivered on April 4th to the Jaguar distributor in New York. In its original configuration, as confirmed by its Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate, it was finished in elegant Opalescent Silver Blue, paired with a red leather interior and a dark blue hood—an exceptionally rare and refined combination.
After crossing the Atlantic and returning to Europe, this E-Type embarked on an entirely different path. Far from remaining a mere collector’s roadster, it was destined to become a fully-fledged competition machine: sharper, faster, more radical, and immediately recognisable thanks to a distinctive livery setting it apart from the rest of the field.
This transformation was driven by the vision and experience of French driver Jean-Pierre Lajournade. His career speaks volumes: competing from 1975 in the Renault Elf Gordini Cup, which he won in 1978, before progressing to Formula Renault with the Elf and Motul teams in 1980 and 1981. Following a successful professional career, he quickly established himself as a leading figure in historic racing, particularly at the Tour Auto, where his record includes three overall victories, five second places and one third place, alongside numerous ASAVE wins.
Winner of the 2010 Tour Auto Optic 2000 at the wheel of his Lotus Elan 26R—against significantly more powerful rivals—Lajournade acquired the Jaguar presented here in 2013 from renowned British preparer Denis Welch. His objective was clear: to create the most accomplished semi-lightweight E-Type ever built.
While semi-lightweight E-Type Roadsters are now well represented on historic grids, this very car paved the way, igniting enthusiasm and demonstrating the true competitive potential of the model at the highest level.
Conceived from the outset as a true rally weapon, this E-Type was developed without compromise, with a relentless focus on performance and reliability—particularly for demanding events such as the Tour Auto. Its first owner envisaged a complete reengineering of every component, drawing on decades of rally experience to anticipate the specific demands of road competition while preserving circuit performance: mechanical endurance, dynamic balance over long distances, ease of maintenance and uncompromising robustness.
The car thus became the first Jaguar E-Type Roadster semi-lightweight developed by Matter Compétition in Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt. In accordance with regulations, the monocoque remains steel, while the body panels—bonnet, hardtop, boot lid and doors—are fabricated in aluminium. Leveraging its expertise, the Matter team optimised structural reinforcements to achieve rigidity perfectly suited to intensive competition use.
Mechanical preparation was entrusted to Denis Welch, responsible for the engine, gearbox, differential and rear suspension. Final assembly was carried out by the team that has supported the driver for over thirty years, composed exclusively of former Renault F1 personnel—a guarantee of method, precision and reliability.
In total, the transformation required over 440 hours of bodywork. Weight was reduced by 215 kg to 1, 060 kg, while the six-cylinder engine now produces close to 380 horsepower, paired with a fully synchronised four-speed gearbox. Completed in February 2015, the project resulted in the only Jaguar E-Type Roadster semi-lightweight conceived and built in France at that time.
From its first outings, the established hierarchy was overturned. In April 2015, the car claimed outright victory at the Tour Auto Optic 2000, repeating the feat the following year ahead of Ludovic Caron’s AC Cobra. It went on to deliver front-running performances at the Grand Prix de l’Âge d’Or, Spa-Classic, Dix Mille Tours and the Grand Prix de Pau Historique.
It thus became the first Jaguar E-Type Roadster semi-lightweight to win the Tour Auto—and remains to this day the only one to have secured three overall victories, a testament to the perfection of its preparation.
In 2023, the Jaguar was entrusted to another top-tier driver, Emmanuel Brigand. A former professional racer, he returned to historic competition with numerous French and European championship titles to his name. A multiple winner of the GHI category at the Tour Auto, his ambition is clear: overall VHC victory. The car was then taken over by Crubilé Sport in Gazeran.
At the same time, Peter Auto adopted FIA international regulations allowing the replacement of the cast-iron engine block with an aluminium unit. The result: 37 kg saved over the front axle, lighter steering, sharper handling and a markedly more responsive car. The outcome was immediate—a third victory, secured with a commanding margin in Biarritz.
Representing over €500, 000 of development, this Jaguar is now accompanied by an FIA International HTP valid until December 31st, 2026. It has consistently demonstrated exceptional levels of performance and reliability.
Delivered with several sets of wheels, two spare diff, and an extensive stock of parts, it allows entry into the most demanding events with a level of preparation rarely matched.
Ready for the 2026 season, this Jaguar E-Type Roadster semi-lightweight stands as one of the absolute benchmarks of historic competition—equally formidable on the circuit and perfectly equipped for the extreme demands of major road events.
