Not long after Sir William Lyons approved the E-Type for production, William Heyes, the project manager suggested building 10 to 12 lightweight competition cars for the 1959 season.
The Lightweight carried approximately 114kg (250lb) less weight than a standard E-type, thanks to its all-aluminium body and engine block, a lack of interior trim and exterior chrome work and a host of further weight-saving features including lightweight, hand-operated side windows.
Engine
Configuration
XK Straight 6
Location
Front, longitudinally mounted
Construction
aluminium alloy block and head
Displacement
3,781 cc / 230.7 cu in
Bore / Stroke
92.1 mm (3.6 in) / 106.0 mm (4.2 in)
Valvetrain
2 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed
Lucas Fuel Injection
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Power
344 bhp / 257 kW @ 6,800 rpm
BHP/Liter
91 bhp / liter
Drivetrain
Body
aluminium body panels
Chassis
steel monocoque with front subframe
Front suspension
wishbones, torsion bars, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension
lower wishbones, upper driveshaft links, radius arms, double coil springs over dampers, anti-roll bar
Steering
rack-and-pinion
Brakes (fr/r)
discs
Gearbox
ZF 5 speed Manual
Drive
Rear wheel drive
Dimensions
Weight
975 kilo / 2,150 lbs
Length / Width / Height
4,440 mm (174.8 in) / 1,650 mm (65 in) / 1,194 mm (47 in)
Wheelbase / Track (fr/r)
2,440 mm (96.1 in) / 1,270 mm (50 in) / 1,270 mm (50 in)
