British models set to shine at Pebble Beach
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced the debuts of three new models at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California.
The famous event will get the first glimpse of the American version of the Jaguar F-Type Project 7 and the prototype of the ‘new’ Jaguar Lightweight E-Type, while the Range Rover Sport SVR will be seen in the metal and without camouflage for the first time.
All three cars have come from JLR’s newly-formed Special Operations division, which is focusing on building high-specification vehicles, bespoke commissions and heritage products.
The first chance to see them will be at the Kick-Off Party on Thursday, August 14, before they are shown off at various attractions during the main event that weekend.
Land Rover’s 550hp Range Rover Sport SVR was first shown at June’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, but it was shrouded by a British Flag wrap hiding the finer points of its design. Since then, Land Rover has released the first press images and details and the car has become the fastest production SUV in the world, lapping the infamous Nürburgring in just eight minutes and fourteen seconds. At Pebble Beach, it will be exhibited alongside the long-wheelbase version of the Range Rover and the Range Rover Evoque Autobiography.
The Lightweight E-Type, on the other hand, made its debut in 1963, with an intended production run of 18. In the event, though, just 12 were made. Now, Jaguar has decided to use the new Special Operations department to bring the six ‘missing’ E-Types back. The chance to own a brand new E-Type will only be available to established collectors, but Pebble Beach will be the first opportunity to see a ‘new’ E-Type Lightweight since production stopped in 1964.
Alongside the E-Type will be the F-Type Project 7, which is based on the F-Type, but takes inspiration from the Le Mans-winning D-Type and features a huge rear fairing. The Project 7 boasts the same 5.0-litre V8 as the Range Rover Sport SVR and the F-Type R, but power has been upped to 575hp, permitting a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds and a 186mph top speed.