1963 Jaguar E-type lightweight sells at Scottsdale

A 1963 Jaguar E-type lightweight was the star of Bonhams’ Scottsdale auction.

The competition specification car realised $7.3m in the January 19 sale.

The car was designed specifically to counter the supremacy of Ferrari’s 250 GTO series, a purpose it fulfilled in spectacular fashion.

Jaguar Etype Bonhams

The Jaguar E-type lightweight was known as the 'GTO Killer' 

Only 12 were made.

This example originally belonged to Australian racing driver Bob Jane, who drove it to victory in the 1963 Australian GT Championship.

Bonhams' head of US motoring, Jakob Greisen, said prior to the sale: "It's an honour to represent such an original and genuine example of these epic and legendary cars.

"Not only is this an incredible car by any measure, but it's also the first time a Lightweight E-Type has been offered in the US for more than 17 years."

A 1952 Ferrari 340 America was another highlight, raking in an impressive $6.3m.

This car also has an impressive racing history, having competed in classic races such as the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans throughout the 1950s.

It’s one of a class of five built to competition specs and is one of a further three to feature an upgrade, giving it an extra 40 horsepower.

Bonhams describes it as “a crowning acquisition for the dedicated Ferrari collector or competition roadster purist, a perfect synthesis of the finest qualities of 1950s Italian sports racing machines.”

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