Roadgoing racer

I enjoyed Mick Walsh’s article on the Ropner Jaguar E-type very much (C&SC, September), but may I make a few corrections?

I did indeed acquire the car from Brian Classic via Martin Johnson, but we were all well-acquainted with its history. The car arrived in a strange mustard colour, with a standard black E-type hardtop. The bootlid was standard E-type and the interior was red leather.

The Jaguar came with a ZF fivespeed ’box, Dunlop alloy wheels to D-type spec, triple Weber carbs, aluminium bonnet and doors, Lightweight E-type seats and a wide-angle head. It drove very well and was very quick, although a trifle noisy for central London.

I raced the car at Oulton Park, gaining a third, and at Silverstone, but it wasn’t as fast as the factory Lightweights so when the opportunity arose to buy the Cunningham E-type from Anthony Bamford, I didn’t hesitate. By then the Ropner car was looking resplendent in navy blue and I was sad to see it go.

A big thank you for reviving some very pleasant memories. Michael Fisher

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