Description
In early 1961, Jaguar’s Experimental Department undertook the ambitious task of transforming the newly launched E-Type into a race car capable of challenging the Aston Martin DB4GT and Ferrari 250 SWB/ C on the global motorsport stage. This initiative, known as the "ZP Project," aimed to develop a highly competitive racer that adhered to the rules of International GT racing at the time.
The foundation for this transformation was the already formidable 3. 8-liter straight-six engine, which received numerous performance upgrades. These included a high-compression configuration, a specially gas-flowed cylinder head with shorter competition valves, and a similarly gas-flowed inlet manifold. Internally, the engine was equipped with competition valve springs, polished connecting rods, and a competition crank damper, while the SU carburettors were fitted with competition trumpets for improved airflow. The transmission was also refined, featuring a lightweight flywheel, competition clutch, and close-ratio gearbox. To further enhance performance, the ZP cars were outfitted with racing exhaust systems and modified suspension to meet the cutting-edge demands of motorsport technology in 1961.
Just seven factory ‘ZP’ cars were built, and they represented the pinnacle of Jaguar’s engineering expertise at the time, blending advanced racing technology with the elegance and performance of the E-Type. The allocation of the seven ZP competition cars was carefully planned to maximize their impact on the racing scene. Jaguar entrusted the cars to top British privateer teams with strong ties to the brand, ensuring they would be campaigned by skilled drivers and well-supported teams.
Six of the cars would go out in pairs, with one car from each pair being the primary race car, and one being the ‘paddock’ car that was always on-show and could be used as a back-up should the race car fail. Equipe Endeavour would get chassis 850005 and 850018, John Coombs Racing Organisation would have chassis 850006 and 850007 while Peter Berry Racing Team would have chassis 850010 and 850013. The final car 850008 was supplied to Sir Gawaine Baillie, an aristocratic racing driver and businessman who owned and lived in Leeds Castle.
We are honoured to present 850018, one of the most historically significant and sought-after Jaguar E-Types in existence. This extraordinary car was initially used by Jaguar’s Managing Director, Frank “Lofty” England, as his personal vehicle. However, it was soon transferred to Tommy Sopwith’s renowned Equipe Endeavour racing team, becoming one of only two ZP E-Types allocated to them. The team, founded by Sopwith in the late 1950s, had an impressive racing pedigree, having dominated the inaugural season of the British Saloon Car Championship (BSCC) in 1958.
Chassis 850018 served as the team’s paddock car but also saw racing action. It was driven twice by the legendary Jack Sears in 1961, finishing second in the Norbury Cup at Crystal Palace and fourth at Snetterton later that year. Its sister car, 850005, famously achieved victory at Oulton Park in May 1961 with Graham Hill behind the wheel. Between races, team driver Mike Parkes used 850018 as his daily runaround. A story is recalled by Jack’s son, David, who remembers Mike Parkes and Tommy Sopwith arriving at the family farm in Norfolk and taking both the Equipe Endeavour E-Types to Norwich and back at undiminished speed with him and his sister aboard each car, to be greeted by a very irate Mrs. Sears on their homecoming!
Between 2010-2012, a meticulous restoration by DK Engineering and E-Type UK brought the car back to its former glory. Staying true to the "Geneva Principle," which emphasizes preserving the authenticity of these early ZP E-Types, 850018 shines in its original Indigo Blue with a striking red leather interior. Its distinctive early features, unique to the seven ZP cars, have been carefully retained. The comprehensive history file accompanying the car is exceptional, documenting every owner, registration change, Jaguar factory records, and letters from key figures like Tommy Sopwith, Jack Sears, and Norman Dewis O. B. E., who confirmed the car’s ZP provenance. Dewis also shared insights about Jaguar’s requirement for ZP race teams to return engines to the factory for rebuilds.
Chassis 850018, also known simply as “Chassis 18,” is a standout in the world of historic motorsport. Its high-profile history has earned it appearances at prestigious events like Goodwood, with guaranteed invitations for future gatherings. Fully restored and carrying an impeccable pedigree, this remarkable E-Type represents a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a true piece of Jaguar’s racing legacy. Contact us now for more information or to arrange a viewing.
