Rob Beere Racing E-Type

Imagine you’re racing a sports car and suddenly a 20-year-old car is driving around yours in circles. In the 1990s, that could certainly happen on English racing circuits. The car that roiled the fields of competitors quickly earned the nickname ‘The Beast’. Originally a Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster from 1971, Fred Cliffe bought this as a six year old used car and began racing it. From 1988 onwards, the racing team Rob Beere Racing together with Malcolm Hamilton ensured that the car was continuously developed. Hamilton also sat behind the wheel at the races and achieved 52 overall victories as well as 87 podium finishes by 2001. It all ended in an accident at Oulton Park in 2001. The car was then stored in a hall, partially dismantled. The current owner bought the wreck and carefully rebuilt it to competition spec. Now he offers it in the Private Sales part of the Hampson Auctions website.

It is obvious to every reader that such successes aren’t possible with an unmodified classic. This E-Type received numerous modifications especially in the area of aerodynamics. Clear glass covers in front of the headlights, a new lower front section with integrated spoiler lip and side aero flics, low sills, a fixed hardtop, a diffuser and a huge rear wing were added to the car. In addition, ventilation openings were provided wherever necessary. After all, a 7.3-liter V12 from the Group C race cars of Jaguar and TWR was soon working under the large hood. In its final stage of development, this engine produced 750 hp and 921 Nm of torque, which was transmitted to the rear wheels via a Hewland gearbox. Springs and dampers came from Penske in the USA, and the stabilizers and control arms from Rob Beere Racing.

Images: Hampson Auctions