13 September 2024 | Motorsport News
Described by WinSpeed as a “highly successful and very well-known Jaguar ‘Mk1’ Competition Car”, this special machine was constructed and driven successfully by the late Les Ely, a familiar name amongst fans of historic racing.
The Jaguar is said to have been “beautifully built and prepared”, and aside from the inevitable pre-season fettling that’s needed with any historic racer, is apparently “all but track-ready”. The successful buyer will be acquiring a rapid machine, with this one’s XK engine producing a claimed 273bhp.
WinSpeed reckons this would be the ideal buy for anyone looking to enter the Mike Hawthorn Jaguar Challenge Series and other prestigious events (Goodwood, Spa and Le Mans amongst them) in a “very well-prepped car”. And this is a company with a lot of experience with what we now refer to as the ‘Mk1’: “We have huge enthusiasm for the Jaguar ‘Mk1’ – for years it remained in the shadow of the ever-popular Mk2, but now – due to scarcity and an undeniable charm – is emerging as a front-runner of desirable Jaguar saloons.”
The Jaguar 3.4 saloon was a competitive machine in its production heyday, of course, enjoying much success in rallies as well as touring car and saloon car races. Notable drivers at the time included Stirling Moss, Mike Hawthorn, Tommy Sopwith and Roy Salvadori. And in Australia, David McKay won the 1960 Touring Car Championship driving a 3.4-litre ‘Mk1’, with Bill Pitt winning the ’61 Championship at the wheel of the same model.
WinSpeed, the company selling this ready-to-race ‘Mk1’, was founded in 2010 by Chris Window and Peter Hugo, who combined their decades of Jaguar knowledge and experience. And with a background in historic motorsport, the company has built many cars for track and rally, as well as road use.
If you fancy taking on this well-prepped ‘Mk1’ and getting it fine-tuned ready for the 2025 season, call 01483 537706 or visit www.winspeedmotorsport.com.