1961 Jaguar Mk2 Race Car
A Jaguar Mk2 with an extensive competition history in the hands of celebrated East Anglian racer and engineer Les Ely, this car contested club and international events across the UK and Europe, accumulating class victories at circuits including Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Silverstone, Goodwood Revival, Spa, and the Nürburgring, where it set a circuit lap record in 1998. After its final outing at the 2010 Silverstone Classic, it underwent a thorough overhaul by a noted Jaguar specialist, encompassing a full repaint, aluminium bodywork components, and a 300 bhp Sigma Engineering engine.
Ownership
- 2024-02-23Auction saleEstimate £50,000 – £60,000
- 2024-02-23Auction saleEstimate £50,000 – £60,000
- 2024-02-24Auction saleEstimate £50,000 – £60,000
- Date unknownRob Newallpartial documentation
Newall owned the car prior to Les Ely; the prose identifies him as the person from whom Ely acquired the Mk2.
- Date unknownPrivate saleLes Elypartial documentation
Experienced Jaguar racer and engineer who campaigned the car extensively in club and international events across the UK and Europe. He held the car for many years and was closely associated with it throughout his competitive career.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownOwner prior to current vendornone documentation
This owner transferred the original registration plate 6 VTW, leaving the car registered as 596 XUX.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownRenowned Jaguar specialistpartial documentation
A privately owned custodian described as a well-known figure in Jaguar circles, who undertook a comprehensive refurbishment of the car over approximately a decade following its last race in 2010.
Competition
- 1986Castle Combe race meetingDriver: Les Ely1st
Described as Les Ely's maiden race victory, achieved in the Jaguar Mk2.
- 1998Nürburgring race meetingsDriver: Les ElyCircuit lap record
The car set a lap record at the Nürburgring in 1998 during its FIA Historic campaign.
- 2010Silverstone ClassicDriver: Les Ely
The car's last competitive outing before being taken off the circuit for a full restoration.
- —Jaguar Drivers' ClubJaguar Drivers' Club ChampionshipsDriver: Les ElyMultiple championship table toppers and best-prepared awards
Ely topped the standings on numerous occasions and regularly received recognition for the car's preparation standard.
- —Brands Hatch race meetingsDriver: Les ElyMultiple class wins
Part of an extensive club and international programme run in the car.
- —Donington Park race meetingsDriver: Les ElyMultiple class wins
Part of an extensive club and international programme run in the car.
- —Silverstone ClassicDriver: Les ElyMultiple class wins
The event was at the time known as the Silverstone Festival.
- —Goodwood RevivalDriver: Les ElyMultiple class wins
- —Spa race meetingsDriver: Les ElyMultiple class wins
Part of the car's FIA Historic events programme across Europe.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2010Restoration
Following its final race appearance, the car received a comprehensive overhaul and refurbishment carried out over roughly a decade. Work encompassed a full bare-metal repaint in Jaguar Pearl Grey including underbody and interior metalwork, hand-fabricated all-aluminium bonnet with louvred vents, boot lid, and door casings for weight reduction, new glazing including laminated windscreen and Perspex rear screen, plus repositioned wiper and washer systems.
Described as a labour of love spanning approximately ten years by the current specialist owner.
- 2010Engine rebuildSigma Engineering
A 300 bhp Peter Lander/Sigma Engineering unit was fitted; while the engine was out, a full condition assessment was carried out and an uprated oil pump installed. All coolant and fuel hoses and clips were renewed to competition standard.
Engine bay was also modified for improved cooling and repainted in Pearl Grey.
- 2010Mechanical
Gearbox was inspected and verified; front and rear axles were removed, reconditioned, and refitted with new bushes and mountings. Competition-adjustable dampers fitted all round, large-bore stainless exhaust with six-branch extractor manifold installed, and an upgraded twin-pump fuel system with new lines, filter, and pressure regulator added. Competition brake callipers fitted front and rear. Minilite wheels and Dunlop racing tyres fitted.
Fuel tank replaced with a foam-filled alloy item. Upgraded high-output headlamps and twin instrumentation gauges also added.
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