Eagle E-Type Lightweight GT launched

Eagle has released pictures and full details of its latest E-Type Lightweight GT, which is said to be inspired by the 12 legendary Lightweight models Jaguar made back in 1963.

Created by the famous British-based Jaguar restorer to be the "best an E-Type can be", the new Lightweight GT is claimed to be the most extensively modified Jaguar E-Type it's ever made, with Eagle's team of engineers lavishing more than 8000 hours on each car.

The process of transforming the old Jaguar Series 1 E-Type involves stripping the roadster of all its panels.In their place, Eagle adds hand-beaten lightweight aluminium panels and then applies a whole host of upgrades that are both inspired by the original Lightweight and designed to make the E-Type a better, faster road car.

These include a new steeply raked tail, an aero vent for the boot lid and, crucially, deeper sills that boost chassis rigidity with the added bonus of allowing the driver to sit lower within the cabin.

Wider front and rear fenders, meanwhile, not only add visual muscle but allow engineers to squeeze in a set of wider, larger 16-inch magnesium alloy wheels that look like the original Lightweight's Dunlop race wheels.According to Eagle, the body alone takes around 2500 hours to handcraft and install.

Staying true to the original, under the lengthy bonnet lives a 4.7-litre inline six-cylinder.

Featuring an aluminium block, triple Weber carbs, a bespoke crankshaft, larger pistons, new conrods and a big-valve cylinder-head with high-lift camshaft, Eagle says its Lightweight GT produces 283kW of power and a hearty 508Nm of torque.

It's combined with a five-speed manual that uses magnesium instead of steel for the case and bell housing, and the same featherweight metal is used for the differential casing, sump and rear hub carriers.

All this makes the Lightweight GT just that, tipping the scales at only 1017kg.

Against the clock, therefore, Eagle claims it can hit 100km/h in less than five seconds and top out at more than 274km/h.

Despite being light, Eagle maintains the Lightweight GT hasn't abandoned its grand touring credentials and that it is a formidable long-distance cruiser.

That explains why air-con and a set of comfortable leather-trimmed seats are standard, while the Ohlins dampers are said to offer decent ride comfort.

There's no word on pricing, but in the UK a price tag of around £800,000 ($A1.5 million) is rumoured.

However, that figure is most likely a starting point as the two cars Eagle plans to make annually will be individually tailored to the exact wishes of their likely very demanding owners.