1970 jaguar e type 4.2 series 2

"This is an E-type with a difference. Looking at it, you notice only low-profile rubber and a modified appearance to its mouth for improved cooling, but under the surface it has enough performance and poise to equal almost any modern supercar" (Mark Hughes, Classic & Sportscar on YLU 470H) A refreshing change from the myriad track use only Series I Roadsters that proliferate in historic racing, this Series II FHC seemingly manages the impossible in that it is both a proven race winner and a searingly fast, fully trimmed road car. In the current ownership since 1984 its impressive chameleon like abilities are the result of years of patient development at the hands of some of the country's top Jaguar specialists. Initially fettled with assistance from V12 E-type racer Maurice Hamilton and former Jaguar engine man George Hodge, the real alchemy behind the car was the result of a tie-up with marque guru Andrew Tart. Approached by the vendor for sponsorship in the early 1990s, Tart (working for Vicarage Engineering at the time) offered technical assistance in place of hard cash. His rationale being that he could use YLU 470H as a guinea pig for a programme of performance upgrades to be offered on customer 'Vicarage' cars (though, the promise of a regular co-drive no doubt proved further incentive). To this end, he embarked upon a systematic re-engineering programme starting with the car's 4235cc, straight six, dohc engine. Rebuilt to factory tolerances albeit with such niceties as balanced piston / con-rod assemblies (all six within a gram of each other) and bespoke camshafts (460 thou lift, 270 degree duration), the unit produced some 306bhp and 318lbft of torque at the (new aluminium) flywheel. These figures are all the more impressive given that they were achieved on standard triple HD8 SU carburettors albeit with differing needles & matched ram pipes being fitted. Surprisingly tractable with 260lbft of torque on tap from as little as 2,800rpm, this remarkable power plant was enhanced by a high capacity oil pump, Holley fuel pump and rev limiter (set at 7,000rpm). Backed by a multi-plate racing clutch mated to a four-speed Jaguar all synchromesh gearbox specially refurbished by Alan George, its drive to the rear wheels was tempered via a limited slip differential (though it retained the standard 3.31:1 rear axle ratio). In order to give YLU 470H the handling to match its raw speed (Tart put the 0-60mph time at under five seconds and it has been timed to 100mph in twelve), the suspension and steering assemblies were carefully reworked. Thus, at the front it was fitted with the biggest torsion bars possible together with XJ type front uprights whose larger stub axles allowed the use of Series III V12 vented disc brakes (complemented by vented discs at the back). In a successful attempt to increase camber under wheel deflection the top wis hbone mountings were also repositioned. To the rear, axle location is courtesy of a unique Tart design. Discarding radius arms, it utilises an inner brace each side of the lower wishbone in conjunction with triangulated locating rods (creating A-arms in effect) running from the lower outer wishbone to the centre of the rear bulkhead. An additional link running back to the rear cradle acts as a stabiliser under acceleration braking and cornering. This ingenious set-up is massively stiffer than standard but without the race-car only compromise of bolting the sub-frame directly to the monocoque. By machining the steering arms from solid steel billets and resetting them to take into account the lowered ride height etc bump steer is said to have been all but eliminated. While undergoing bodywork restoration by renowned marque specialists Classic Motor Cars of Bridgnorth (Tart's old firm who were also entrusted with rebuilding the ex Le Mans D-type 'OKV 1' and the ex-1961 Geneva Motor Show E-type '9600 HP') the opportunity was taken to incorporate specially strengthened ribbed sills and boot floor etc. Finished in pale blue with dark blue leather upholstery, the interior rear roll cage and Willans harnesses are surprisingly unobtrusive. Benefiting form a repackable stainless steel exhaust and sitting on period style compomotive alloy wheels, the car is in very good overall condition. Behaving impeccably upon inspection, the vendor's tales of driving the road-racer through heavy traffic from his London pied-a-terre to Brands Hatch are entirely credible. Actively campaigned since 1986, YLU 470H has achieved a highly impressive forty-three finishes from forty-eight starts and was accepted for entries in the Top Hat Best of British and Sebring Sa lute series for 2004. Some of its more notable highlights are listed below: Sept 88 - Oulton Park, HSCC RS Champ - 1st in Class July 91 - Donnington - E Type Challenge - 1st in Class July 91 - Donnington - 100 Mile Endurance - 5th Overall July 91 - Pembrey - E Type Challenge - 1st in Class July 91 - Pembrey - 100 mile Endurance - 2nd in Class May 92 - Donnington - E Type Challenge - 2nd Overall / 1st in Class July 92 - Pembrey - E Type Challenge - 2nd Overall / 1st in Class September 92 - Cadwell Park - E Type Challenge - 1st Overall May 93 - Pembrey - E Type Challenge - 1st in Class Sept 93 - Mallory - E Type Challenge - 1st in Class Oct 93 - Snetterton - 6 Hour Birkett - 1st Overall Sept 96 - Manx Classic Hill Climb - 1st and 2nd in Class (2 driver Entry) Sept 96 - Willaston Pursuit Sprint - 3rd in Class Sept 97 - Isle of Man Promenade Sprint - 1st in Class June 2001 - Donnington -Lynx 40th E Type Anniversary Race - 6th Overall / 1st in Class Aug 2003 - Donnington - E Type Challenge - 1st in Class YLU 470H’s competition history ceased in 2004 with its last race by invitation at Spa. It has since resided in private car collections enjoying only sporadic use. Since 2012, the engine & transmission have been removed, stripped, inspected and rebuilt by XK specialists, K&N Classic Cars. The engine work being completed by Jaguar expert - Peter Lander of Sigma Engineering and retains the specially made camshafts although the cam timing has been adjusted to standard settings to improve road driveability. Other improvements have included a full front suspension & brake overhaul and the inclusion of poly-bushing throughout the front suspension and steering. The bonnet has been stripped and refinished and all under bonnet ancillaries either replaced or restored. This includes all rubber hoses and seals, fuel pumps, radiator, oil cooler and all periphery items – essentially a nut and bolt restoration. The original exhaust system was discarded due to age and a complete new stainless steel 2.25” tubular manifold & straight through exhaust system fitted with the deletion of rear resonators as per Lightweight E-Types. The original competition wheels shod with semi-slick racing tyres have been removed, refurbished and period Michelin tyres fitted – again to improve the car’s road manners but also in keeping with the car’s original HSCC documentation. Some footage of the car on the dyno and recent charity events: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyWBx2szNIo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dExI2_SBZz0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5oobG6YVAQ