Story and History

1969 Jaguar E-Type Low-Drag Lightweight Special
Road Going Version
Very Fast

This really is a rather special motorcar! Converted into its current guise in 1987 by Bryan Wingfield & RS Panels the quality of their work, as is to be expected, was so good that it still looks as if the restoration was completed only a few miles ago.


For almost 50 years RS Panels has steadily created a global reputation for quality and craftsmanship in the restoration of three of the greatest names in motoring history – Jaguar, Aston Martin and Ferrari


Brian Wingfield may be less known to you and is a truly interesting character to know and even more exciting to have the opportunity to own something he graced with his design & engineering ability.


Wingfield started his career as an engineer when he was only 17 years old, building a 1172cc Ford Special, his first racing car. His prowess and ability were clear from the beginning and he soon found himself working for The Ford Motor Company.


By his late twenties Wingfield was frequently around the GT40 project with Ken Miles, Bruce Mclaren and the like. Wingfield set up his own business in 1974, although he wouldn't leave Ford until 1986. Nonetheless it was the creation of his own business that really began his legend.


The mercurial Mr Wingfield put his mind to the conversion of many Jaguars and when compared with industry stalwarts Lynx by motorsport magazine in 1975 Mike McCarthy concluded that Wingfield cars were truer and more raw “as close a copy as you can get”.


This particular example, Wingfields personal car, was one of only three he chose to convert into 'low drag' spec, and to use this is easily the fastest E-Type we've encountered. The noticeable difference between this & factory reproductions is the fueling & braking systems.


Original low drag cars used a Lucas mechanical fuel injection system, presumably for ease of set up, whilst Wingfield preferred 45 DCOE Webers, a choice we fully concur with! Braking is provided by the system once found on the XJ13 as opposed to the original Dunlop manufactured set up Wingfield saw as unsatisfactory. So well respected within the inner circles he managed to source genuine XJ13 brakes (part number GT 13)!


Fitted with a 3.8litre engine mated to a Guy Broad modified 5 speed MT 75 gearbox Wingfield built this car for touring and used her for many European tours.


Our most recent owner, custodian for the last 15 years, has used her sparingly for trips too and from Scotland with his son, forming many happy memories we're sure.


More recently she has been treated to a full respray with protective layers applied to the wheel arches, a new headlining and re-trimmed seats in Bridge of Weir leather. Additionally she has two sets of seat bottoms (very easily interchangeable) one is completely flat and the other is heavily bolstered so drivers of all shapes and sizes can use her in optimum comfort.


Aesthetically the low drag shape is something remarkable to behold. With more bulbous headlight covers adding shape to the front end, the beautifully tapered rear end taking even further the elegance of the standard FHC and bigger rear wheels and tyres, fitted to handle the extra power, necessitating the wider rear arches all come together to create a more imposing, aggresive stance.


Regular servicing and MOTs give further assurance, if it was at all needed, that this is not only an extremely special motorcar but a usable one too. For the past 15 years she has passed her MOTs without any advisories. Completely on the button and ready to go!


We can't imagine a better E-Type for someone who intends to use their special classic as much as possible. And great value for money too!