• Amongst the earliest E-Types constructed, the 20th RHD Roadster by chassis number
• Extensive competition history, regularly campaigned from the 1970s onwards
• Well known and regarded in the British historic racing scene by its U.K. registration: YRP 999
• Road registered and hugely eligible for numerous events, raced at the 2022 Goodwood Revival
• Previously raced by John Clenand, Anthony Reid, and Martin Stretton amongst others
• Accompanied by a current FIA HTP, valid until December 2025
• Spares include a bonnet and a race-prepared Crosthwaite & Gardiner 3.8-litre engine

Within the realm of Jaguar’s E-Type, it is the earliest cars that are the most desirable and sought after by collectors today. Considering Jaguar’s motorsport heritage, it was no surprise that many of the earliest cars delivered spent time on the track in a variety of levels of motorsport around the world, and many of these cars, like the example presented here, are still racing today.

Amongst the very first E-Types produced, ‘YRP 999’ as it is more commonly known from its U.K. registration, was the 20th E-Type roadster produced by chassis number. It was completed by the factory on April 25, 1961 and finished in Opalescent Dark Green over a Suede Green interior with a black convertible top. Dispatched from the factory in July of that year, records from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust confirm that the car was delivered to Derek Wilkinson of Northampton, who’s company supplied parts to Jaguar. The car was allegedly acquired to replace Wilkinson’s Lola Mk1.

Believed to have passed through three owners in between 1963 and 1968, YRP 999’s next owner would be Terry McGrath. No stranger to competition cars, McGrath had previously raced a variety of cars, racing from a Jaguar D-Type to Lola T-70s. It is further noted that at the time of his purchase, modifications had been made to YRP 999 in adding cooling ducts for the rear brake discs in the rear wheel arches, and it was fitted with a larger Le Mans-style fuel tank for endurance racing with an externally mounted fuel filler cap. These modifications hint at and earlier racing career, but no definitive entries or results have been confirmed.

Passing to Bob Vincent later in 1969, he was a well-known figure in British motorsport, having piloted a variety of cars ranging from MG As and Lotus Elans to E-Types and a GT40. Vincent continued to modify the car for track use, which included lowering and stiffening the suspension, further modifying the brake ducts, and modifying the tail to reduce lift. Vincent repainted YRP 999 red in 1971 and it was subsequently sold to Martin Ryan for competition use, where it was campaigned regularly and successfully in the U.K. Acquired by Alexander Boswell in 1974, the car remained in his collection and was not raced for five years prior to its acquisition by a Mr. T. White and his brother-in-law, Mr. A. Crossingham.

Upon White and Crossingham’s purchase, a lengthy restoration was carried out and the car was resprayed in its original Opalescent Dark Green, but the restoration remained incomplete when it was sold to Charles Good in 1991. In his hands, the restoration was completed and the car was restored to be usable on the roads by Lynx Motors, yet no original parts or period modifications were discarded unless absolutely necessary.

Since the completion of the restoration work in 1995, the car has been a frequent sight in the U.K. historic racing scene. Previously maintained by Martin Stretton, the car was always kept ‘on-the-button’ and ready for either race or road use. The car is currently fitted with a 3.8-litre E-Type engine with a cast iron block but is offered with a race-spec 3.8-litre aluminum block engine built by Crosthwaite & Gardiner. Competing in the Goodwood Revival on no fewer than six separate occasions, the car returned to Goodwood for the Revival in 2022, taking part in the Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy Celebration. As one would expect, it is accompanied by current FIA HTP papers valid until December 2025.

Today, competition E-Types remain both highly eligible and highly competitive in historic racing making them a go-to entry for novices and professional drivers alike looking to compete in some of the world’s most prestigious race meetings. With its next event at Goodwood just on the horizon, it remains race ready as well as road registered, allowing its lucky new owner a variety of opportunities for enjoyment at speed.
To view this car and others currently available, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/home/private-treaty-sales/.