Actually, I have to admit right at the beginning that I only ever have in mind the Jaguar XKs and E-Types, who experienced their birth in Coventry and which one would commonly refer to as "the originals". But again and again in my daily research these breathtaking cats appear in my eye-catcher, which captivate me again and again with their simple elegance as soon as I see them. I am talking about the transformations that a small company produces on the basis of original vehicles - called the Eagle E-Types.
Eagle, based in the tranquil Uckfield in Sussex, has been in existence since 1984 and takes care of all aspects such as service, upgrades and restorations related to the Jaguar E-Type. Now one could say that many others do the same, if it were not for the founder Henry Pearman whose visions have ensured that since 1991, with the Eagle Speedster No.1, an E-Type populates the streets, of which one could say: "If one were to develop the E-Type in the present day, it could look like this".
After the Eagle E-Type Speedster, the Eagle E-Type Low Drag GT and the Eagle E-Type Spyder GT, the Eagle E-Type Lightweight GT has been offered since June 2020. The model for this is the legendary original lightweight from 1963, of which Jaguar Cars recently redesigned the last missing six vehicles in its Heritage Workshop in Browns Lane.
If one decides for such a conversion at Eagle, the "new old" is no longer recognizable. The chassis is made entirely of aluminium and with one or the other part of magnesium and titanium, the weight moves only around 1000 kilograms, despite some improvements such as air conditioning, insulated interior and seat adjustments.
Hand was also applied to the chassis and engine. The new modernised suspension with triangular handlebars in combination with adjustable dampers ensures a smooth ride. A five-speed, instead of the original four-speed transmission, which transfers the power to the rear axle, helps the Lightweight GT from 0 to 100km/h in about 5 seconds, at a maximum speed of 275 km/h. An extension of the displacement of the in-line six-cylinder engine to 4.7 liters, coupled with new carburetors, also increases the performance to 380 hp at 508 newton meters. So it's worth taking a look at Uckfield with his E-Type.

Next weekend, 15 March between 10:00 and 15:00, the Jaguar Spares Days will take place again in Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. Probably the most important date for all Jaguar screwdrivers among us who still urgently need Jaguar parts. The event takes place twice a year, once in spring and once in autumn. The autumn date, due to the upcoming winter and the associated workshop time, is the more important one. More than 200 stalls offer everything from the rarest LUCAS relays to complete vehicles, from the beginnings of Standard & Swallow time to the rims of a Jaguar F-Type.

Until now, due to the current virus situation, there is no cancellation of the event, at least nothing can be found on the website. I am glad that one or the other of you should tell us about his visit here. For more information: http://www.jaguarsparesdays.co.uk

The new year is just awakening from its hibernation, as the first big auctions begin and with it the chance to acquire history, provided you have the necessary "small money". For us Jaguar crazy, two dates next month are very interesting. On February 5th, in the heart of Paris, at the feet of Napoleon Bonaparte, Place Vauban, the first large vintage car auction of the auction house RM Sotheby's on the old continent rises. With the lot number 171 a Jaguar D-Type "Shortnose" with the chassis No. XKD520. After its completion in 1955, his path led him directly to the other side of the world to Australia to his first owner the racing driver Bib Stillwell. Not only did the car compete in well-known races for many years and achieved some victories, such as the Bathurst Road Racing Championship in 1956.

The second event will take place on 22 and 23 February at Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth near Coventry, the first Silverstone auction this year at Race Retro 2020. Under the hammer, the legendary Jaguar XK120 OTS lands in its distinctive green with the chassis No. 660332, with whom Duncan Hamilton competed in his first races in a Jaguar, at the end of which in 1953 the overall victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans stands. We'll see how the two famous Jaguars beat each other and whether they get a new home. I'll stick to it and report again at the end of next month.