Highlights

Flat floor Semi light weight spec 1962
Built to FIA Class GTS12 spec
Raced at Goodwood Revival, Le Mans Classic, Spa-Francorchamps, and Portimao
Achieved 8th when co-driven by Tiff Needell at Goodwood Revival Fordwater Trophy
Stated devoid of hidden upgrades and high tech attachments
Sound basis to comply with 2026 eligibility regulations
Refreshed 2021/22 by Keith Martin Motorsport/Sigma Engineering delivering 290bhp,
Large history file including FIA paperwork and JDHT Certificate, V5C

The Appeal

The E-Type was built to master the Mulsanne Straight, but in the end Jaguar didn’t need Le Mans glory to sell cars and the factory only briefly exploited its potential with the 12 Lightweights. It has been left to an army of dedicated enthusiasts to demonstrate the potential of Malcolm Sayers’ era-defining sports car. As a general rule, the earlier the race car, the more revered it is, and none can be earlier than one based on the Flat Floor coupe.

One owner built by Andrew Tart, founder of CMC Bridgnorth, to build this car for him in 2008 to FIA Class GTS12 specification. Tart is renowned for his meticulous preparation and high-quality engine builds. Using a donor Flat Floor, the goal was to create a car correct in specification and authenticity so that it could compete at blue-chip European events. In 2021 and 2022, the car was refreshed by specialists Keith Martin Motorsport and Sigma Engineering. During this work, it was rolling road tested at 290bhp.

Since completion, that is exactly what this car has done. At the Goodwood Revival Fordwater Trophy, an all-E-Type race, it finished 8th out of 30 entries just behind a group of lightweights. Co-driven by the owner and Tiff Needell, who reportedly declared at the finish: "This car handles perfectly." At the 2016 Le Mans Classic Jaguar invitation race, it recorded 152.5 mph on the Mulsanne straight and finished 18th in a field of 63.

Key to this car’s appeal is its lack of hidden upgrades and hi-tech add-ons and already complies with original historic specifications. Since it does not require reverse engineering, it is a sound basis for compliance with future eligibility tests for Goodwood, MRL, and Peter Auto events.

Finished in Pastel Green — a period Jaguar colour — it cuts a distinctive figure on any grid. Offered with FIA papers, a Jaguar Heritage Certificate, V5C, build and restoration invoices, and a useful selection of spares, it represents a strong opportunity for anyone seeking a regulation-ready E-Type competition car.

History and Paperwork

1962 donor car completely rebuilt to FIA Class GTS12 specification in 2008
Build completed by Andrew Tart, founder of CMC Bridgnorth
Refreshed in 2021/22 by Keith Martin Motorsport and Sigma Engineering
V5C document present
FIA papers present
Jaguar Heritage Certificate present
Restoration invoices and original build invoices present
Various spares as detailed below

Summary of race experience:

Goodwood Revival (Fordwater Trophy, finishing 8th of 30) with Tiff Needell
Le Mans Classic 2016 (18th of 63 in the Jaguar invitation race)
Spa-Francorchamps
Portimao
Various UK circuits

Specification summary:

Alloy radiator and header tank
Full Custom Cages roll cage
New Clutch August 2025
Clutch has Helix pressure plate, paddle clutch and competition release bearing
Heated windscreen
15" peg-drive magnesium alloy wheels
Lifeline 360 extinguisher system
Mota-Lita leather three-spoke steering wheel
Differential oil temperature gauge
Tillet seat
Tow cables

Following items are eligibility correct:

Vehicle dimensions
Instrument cluster
Dunlop brake calipers
Brake cooling ducts
Cast differential
Intake manifold and carburettors
Exhaust design
Gearbox
Suspension
Engine specification
Ignition
Rev limit

Notable spares include:

Extra-long differential (for Le Mans)
Additional pair of decibel-lowering inline silencers
Alloy differential cover for improved oil cooling

The Condition

Painted in Pastel Green, a period Jaguar colour
Detailed build by Tart with summary of specification provided above
Full Custom Cages roll cage
Vendor advises car has been treated with respect and not needed constant rebuilds

This car’s calling card is provenance. CMC Bridgnorth was one of the most respected and pre-eminent classic Jaguar specialists in the world. That position was largely down to founder Andrew Tart, who is equally renowned in Jaguar circles. He built this car, and it shows. He is known for his knowledge and attention to detail and this car was built with to be as correct and authentic as possible.

It has stood the car in good stead. Firstly, it has enabled it to compete at the very top of historic motorsport, achieving good results as detailed above and positive reviews from the likes of Tiff Needell.

Secondly, as we’ve covered above, that focus on authenticity means that the car is well placed for the eligibility and regulations.

Thanks to the ministrations of the car’s careful keepers and the car’s light renovation work in 2021 and 2022, it presents today in very good order. That it is a pretty car in Pastel Green dials up the appeal a notch further.

The Mechanics

3.8-litre straight-six engine built by Andrew Tart
290 BHP and 280 lb/ft torque confirmed on the rolling road during 2021/22 refresh
New clutch fitted in August 2025 as detailed above
Highly competitive as shown by its race results

The earliest E-Types with the 3.8L XK straight six are generally considered to have the sweetest, freest revving motors, which is why they tend to dominate their events. This car was built by Tart, as we know, a man who is renowned for his engine work. It is said to run and drive exceptionally well, as shown by its race results.

The car has been correctly maintained as is required by FIA regulations. Recent work includes a new high specification clutch as detailed above.

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