Jaguar Extravaganza at MPH ’06

Filed under:
Jaguar
on 09/19/2006

Three of the rarest and most remarkable Jaguars in the world – a one-of-a-kind XJ13, the factory prototype D-Type and the oldest surviving open E-Type – are set to wow the crowds during the MPH Classic at London’s Earls Court (2-5 November). Widely regarded as ‘priceless’, the historic cars will be showcased by the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, alongside the oldest example of a British-built Daimler Grafton Phaeton, dating back to 1897.

The 1966 Jaguar XJ13 is arguably the most beautiful racing car never to race. Destined for Le Mans, it produced 502BHP from a unique 5-litre V12 engine and was capable of accelerating the car to over 160mph. Unfortunately, the XJ13 development programme took second place to the XJ6 and, in time, the one-off performance car was overshadowed by designs from Ferrari and Ford.

The prototype 270BHP Jaguar D-Type appearing at MPH ’06 was completed in May 1954 and was also tested at Le Mans. With a top speed of over 170mph it immediately broke the lap record by five full seconds – a clear omen for the three
Le Mans victories Jaguar would eventually celebrate with subsequent D-Types.

Click to enlarge

Originally one of just two press demonstration vehicles back in 1961, the 3.8-litre 265BHP Jaguar E-Type made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Capable of close to 150mph the vehicle remains the oldest surviving E-Type of its kind in the world.

Tickets for MPH Classic are on sale now priced at £15 per person and are available via www.mphshow.co.uk/classic or by calling its hotline number 0870 122 2900. Alternatively tickets for MPH ’06 – Jeremy Clarkson’s car fest and live action arena MPH ’06 – priced from £22-£49, automatically includes access to MPH Classic.