(from Jaguar Press Release) Two
thundering, 400-plus horsepower vintage Jaguar E-Type racecars take to
the racetrack again in 2004 as high-speed billboards for Jaguar’s
award-winning Select Edition Certified Pre-Owned vehicle program.
Jaguar North America continues its relationship with renowned vintage
Jaguar specialists, Massachusetts-based Donovan Motorcar Services, to
campaign the Select Edition Racing E-Types at key historic racing events
throughout the 2004 season.
The team made its debut last season (April 24-27, 2003) at the annual
Walter Mitty historic sports car races at the famous Road Atlanta
circuit, near Braselton, Georgia.
"Integrating our award-winning certified pre-owned program with the
vintage racing team creates a unique opportunity to reach out to new
customers," said Geoff Cousins, vice president, Distribution and
Remarketing Operations, Jaguar Land Rover North America.
"The legendary Jaguar E-Type, one of the most desirable pre-owned
vehicles in the world, is an exemplary representation of our certified
pre-owned vehicle program," Cousins adds.
Both Select Edition Racing E-Types had a proven track record prior to
joining the Select Edition race team in 2003. The #61 car is a 1967
E-Type open roadster, prepared from new as a racecar by famed U.S.
Jaguar tuner, Huffaker Engineering. Acquired by Donovan Motorcar
Services in 1990, and driven by top vintage racer Bob Hebert, the car
has been one of the front-runners in its class ever since.
The second Select Edition Racing E-Type, #62, is an early 1962 hardtop
roadster that was converted to race spec in 1984, and campaigned by DMS
president, Brian Donovan. Used mostly for historic racing endurance
events, the car has taken numerous overall and class victories in Sports
Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) and Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR)
events.
"The E-Type makes the perfect vintage racecar. It has strong
performance, dynamic handling and a great power-to-weight ratio. And its
performance is equaled only by its breathtaking looks," explained
Donovan.
Both Select Edition E-Types are powered by highly-tuned 4.2-liter
straight-six engines, delivering over 415-horsepower – enough to give
standstill to 60 mph acceleration in 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 160
mph.
They also are equipped with lightweight aluminum body panels, full race
developed suspension, upgraded front and rear brakes, a strengthened
four-speed manual transmission and lightweight racing wheels with
Goodyear racing tires.
A special paint scheme was also created for the cars by U.K. Jaguar
designer, Joe Buck. The scheme features a silver body color with Jaguar
Racing Green stripes, and striking red epaulettes across the front
fenders.
"We see our involvement with historic racing as not only increasing
awareness of Jaguar’s Select Edition Certified program, but as a means
of building closer ties with the many Jaguar Owners Clubs and Jaguar
enthusiasts across the country," explained Cousins.
The Jaguar presence at the races will feature a line-up of Select
Edition Certified Pre-Owned cars, supplied by local retailers, and
displays of classic Jaguars from local Jaguar club members. Donovan
Motorcar Services has prepared a third Select Edition Racing E-Type –
based on a 1963 roadster – which will be used for display at the race
meetings and various retailer events.
In October 2003, for the fourth time in five years, Jaguar Select
Edition was judged "Best Certified Pre-Owned Luxury Vehicle Program" by
consumer information specialists, IntelliChoice, Inc.
For buyers of pre-owned Jaguars, it means unrivaled peace of mind with
each Select Edition Jaguar being backed by a 6-year/100,000 limited
warranty.
Coverage begins with Jaguar’s new car 4-year/50,000 guarantee. The
Select Edition warranty then provides an additional two years, or 50,000
miles coverage, for a total of six years, or 100,000 miles. Before
qualifying as a Select Edition vehicle, each car has to go through a
rigorous 140-point inspection.
Select Edition Racing is the third element in the Jaguar North American
motorsport strategy. In September 2003, Jaguar North America, in
conjunction with Michigan-based
Rocketsports Racing, unveiled its 650-horsepower Jaguar AJ-V8 engine in
the R-Performance XKR Trans-Am racecar. Scott Pruett collected his third
Trans-Am title and helped Jaguar earn its third Trans-Am Manufacturers’
Championship. In addition, Jorge Diaz, Jr., driver of the Don Q Rum
Jaguar XKR, claimed the Rookie of the Year title. Globally, Jaguar’s
motorsport effort continues to be with Jaguar Racing and Formula One.
