If sold, it will no doubt enter the history books as the most expensive Jaguar that changed hands at auction. (Photo: UltimateCarPage.com) » More Photos

At the end of the 1960 season, E2A was shipped back to the Jaguar factory in England and was retired from racing. A few months later the final production E-Type was unveiled at the 1961 Geneva Motorshow and the rest, so they say, is history. The introduction of the road car did not mean the of E2A's usefulness. It was first used to test Dunlop's Maxaret anti-lock braking system. After being stored for several years, E2A was called upon one more time, as a decoy. To divert the attention of the media for the new mid-engined XJ13, E2A was very publicly tested. For this purpose the big fin was removed and the car was painted British Racing Green. The third task was to be E2A's final one before being placed on the list to be scrapped.

Fortunately Jaguar's customer competition car manager Roger Woodley stepped in. He had recently married Penny Griffiths, who with her father Guy had brought together an impressive collection of important Jaguars, which were displayed Camden Car Collection. After much persuading, Jaguar decided to sell E2A under the condition that it was never to be raced. Before delivery, the car was repainted in the American racing colours, but not refitted with the fin or the 3-litre fuel injected engine. Shortly after Griffiths received a 3.8 litre D-Type engine, which turned E2A in a fully operational car again. Eventually the family also obtained a correct all-aluminum fuel injected engine, but it was never fitted to the car.

Honouring the agreement with Jaguar, E2A was never raced, although it did make various public appearances in the hands of Penny Griffiths. She has brought the car back to Le Mans and also demonstrated the unique machine at both Goodwoods. After more than forty years of ownership, she has decided to let go of this much prized possession. E2A will be offered during Bonhams' Quail Lodge Auction on August 15th. It will be the first time that the car will be for sale to public and an exceptionally rare opportunity to obtain what many believe to be one of the most important Jaguars built. If sold, it will no doubt enter the history books as the most expensive Jaguar that changed hands at auction.