Flying the Flag

Jaguar's dominated Le Mans in the 1950s (winning 5 times between 1951 and '57) using the production-based XK engine. Having achieved all that they set out to do, Jaguar withdrew from motor racing and focussed on producing cars like the E Type.  Although Jaguar never raced the 'E' officially, it did lend assistance to private entrants like the Peters, Lumsden and Sergeant who raced their modified E with some success both in Britain and at international level.   At Le Mans in 1964, however, their ‘low drag’ coupe retired in the 8th hour.   Here, it leads the Ferrari 330P of John Surtees (driving) and Lorenzo Bandini which finished 3rd.