E-TYPE Iconic Celebration

Sir William Lyons, founder of SS Cars (subsequently renamed Jaguar after WW2) recruited William “Bill” Heynes in 1935.

Bill Heynes was appointed as Technical Director and Chief Engineer in 1946 and created what is arguably the most iconic engine in British motoring history - the original Jaguar XK. This sensational straight-six used a nearly indestructible block with a twin-cam cylinder head and produced 125 hp in its original form. Wrapped in gorgeous bodywork, the original Jaguar XK120 debuted to stunned crowds at the London Motor Show of 1949. Never had such a potent, complex engine been turned loose in a production car to the enthusiastic British masses.

Heynes' scintillating six solidified Jaguar's immediate reputation as a serious performance car. The glory years of the C- and D-types in international competition were rooted in the superior performance of the engine he created. Heynes won at Le Mans 24 Hour 5 times in the 1950’s.

Heynes and the engineering team later commenced design and development of the Jaguar E-Type in 1957 which launched to world acclaim at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961. The icon of 1960s motoring was called “The most beautiful car ever made” by Enzo Ferrari. Production ran from 1961 to 1975 culminating in the Series 3 with its V12 engine. The early 3.8L “Flat Floors” are considered the most desirable and pure version of the E-Type.

Now, 60 years on, Bill Heynes Grandson (of the same name), William Heynes is managing the most detailed, elaborate and comprehensive E-Type restoration project ever seen. In conjunction with Stephen Owens (the Chairman of the Fast Lane Club), William is restoring 9 early Series 1 “Flat Floor” E-Types to a level of detail never seen before.

On 14th July 2021 the first 2 E-Types to be completed will be unveiled for the first time.  You are invited to be part of this incredibly special day to see these wonderfully restored E-Types as well as some “Work in Progress” examples and hear from William Heynes & the Team first hand about the restoration project of the most iconic British Sportscar of all time.

The Event Includes:

- YORKSHIRE DALES DRIVING TOUR for Classic Jaguar & Other Classic Marques of Sportscars. (VIP package only)

- CELEBRATION DINNER at Oulton Hall (VIP package only)

- SPECIAL GUESTS inc 

• Ben Cussons (Chairman, Royal Automobile Club)
• William Heynes (Grandson of Bill Heynes & Project Manager of Restoration Project)
  
• Ian Callum (Director of Design at Jaguar for 20 years)
• Tony Jardine (Ex F1 Racing Driver & F1 pundit with Sky) 
• Tony O'Keefe (Vice President of the Jaguar Drivers Club)
  
• Amy Shore (Leading Automotive Photographer)

- SPECIAL HISTORIC JAGUARS on display

(D-Type driven by Mike Hawthorn, winning at Le Mans in 1955)

- CONCOURS EVENT & DISPLAY of 60 Classic Sports Cars (Concours entry VIP package only)

- WILLIAM HEYNES RESTORATION E-TYPES UNVEILLED... a World Exclusive

- ALL FOOD INCLUDED (BBQ, Fish 'n' Chips & Spanish)

- SELECTED EXHIBITORS & DEMONSTRATIONS

- POL ROGER CHAMPAGNE Bar (Complimentary Glass on arrival)

- DOUBLE DECKER BUS BAR