There’s no doubt that the Jaguar E-type is one of the most iconic sportscars in history, nor that performance specials such as this 1963 Lightweight command the most special of placement in the lexicon of automotive and racing history. A new book from Porter Press International aims to give focus to that, specifically covering this specific car, 49 FXN.

This 320 page deep dive covers the background of this remarkable car, aerodynamically improved by Dr. Sami Klat of London’s Imperial College ahead of the 1964 racing season. Driven at the hands of Peter Lumsden and Peter Sargent, the car netted 3rd place in the GT class at Le Mans that year.

Want to learn more, check it out at www.porterpress.co.uk and read the full press release below.

[PRESS RELEASE] GREAT CARS SERIES NO 8: JAGUAR LIGHTWEIGHT E-TYPE – THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF 49 FXN
source: Porter Press International

This exhaustive book tells the story of the 1963 Lightweight Jaguar E-type that was famously given an aerodynamic makeover by Dr Sami Klat of Imperial College, London, for the 1964 season. Driven by Peter Lumsden and Peter Sargent, the sleek car proved its high-speed potential by running third in the GT class at Le Mans that year until forced to retire soon after nightfall, but three months later it achieved a prestigious result – best-placed E-type and fifth in the GT class – at the Tourist Trophy at Goodwood. Known by its registration number, 49 FXN, this celebrated Lightweight E-type has remained active for most of its life, and the exploits of a succession of notable owners form a fascinating aspect of the book.

Key content

  • The 1963 season in ‘standard’ form, from début in the Nürburgring 1,000Kms to two end-of-season victories for Peter Sargent at Silverstone and Brands Hatch, taking in the Goodwood TT, too.
  • A full account of the car’s modification over the winter of 1963/64, its aerodynamic and engine development masterminded by Dr Sami Klat and Prof Harry Watson.
  • Complete coverage of the 1964 season, including the Le Mans 24 Hours and a return to the Nürburgring 1,000kms and Goodwood TT.
  • One more season with Peter Lumsden, prior to his retirement from racing, brought wins at Crystal Palace and Brands Hatch in 1965.
  • Competition through the second half of the 1960s with various owners, one of whom, John Scott-Davies, famously put 49 FXN into the lake at Oulton Park.
  • The car’s rise to collectability in later years documented in full, including restoration and historic racing.
  • The rich racing record of 49 FXN with, in recent years, notable owners including Lord Bamford and Viscount Cowdray, and guest drives by stars such as Willie Green, Derek Bell and Gerhard Berger.
  • Nearly 300 period images, many previously unpublished, supported by a portfolio of studio photography.

The authors

Philip Porter is a Jaguar authority best known for his award-winning E-type books, notably The Definitive History and Ultimate E-type, as well as for running two successful Jaguar clubs, the XK Club and the E-type Club. His co-author James Page grew up attending hill climbs and sprints with his father. He served as deputy editor of Classics Monthly from 2007 to 2011, before moving to Classic & Sports Car as deputy editor. He became editor in 2014. Two years later, James left to pursue a freelance career, and now lives in South Gloucestershire with his wife, two children and a temperamental MG 1300.

For further information regarding the book or to request a review copy, please contact

Rebecca Leppard at Eventageous PR Ltd on T: 01452 260063 or email: rebecca@eventspr.co.uk

About Porter Press: Porter Press International was formed by leading automotive author Philip Porter in 2005 and has published books written by a number of leading authors, including Doug Nye, Murray Walker, Ian Wagstaff, Chas Parker and Philip Porter, with plenty more in the pipeline. The company’s first book was actually produced with Moss – the Stirling Moss Scrapbook 1955 – the first of four. Another in this series was the best-selling Murray Walker Scrapbook. The expanding ‘Great Cars’ series has been particularly successful. Many Porter Press titles have been chosen by leading magazines as their ‘Book of the Month’, and a number have been nominated for, and won, ‘Book of the Year’ awards. Key to the company’s more recent success is Mark Hughes, former Editorial Director of Haynes.

Responses

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

+