Driving euphoria.
There’s no denying that the Jaguar E-Type is one of the most beautiful automobiles ever produced. Even Enzo Ferrari called it “the most beautiful car in the world.” Eagle, the worldwide leaders in E-Type restoration has dedicated itself to restoring and remanufacturing of the classic sports car.
One of the company’s most acclaimed models was the Eagle E-Type Speedster – a thoroughly restored E-Type convertible that was incredibly lightweight and incorporated modern technology without taking away from the classic look and driving experience of the British sports car. Now, the British company is at it again with the limited edition Eagle Low Drag GT.
The new lightweight Eagle Low Drag GT sports car was inspired by the original three ‘Low Drag Coupes’ designed by E-Type Designer, Malcolm Sayer in the 1960s. The original Low Drag Coupes were designed for aerodynamic efficiency and speed – not style. Unfortunately, the car was put on the back-burner for Sayer, and it wasn’t until 1963 that the original car was taken from the factory and replicated from two Jaguar Lightweight Roadsters for successful racing careers.
Based on the Jaguar E-Type Coupe, the Eagle Low Drag GT takes some of the best characteristics of the original Low Drag GTs with some modern technology, and offers better performance capabilities than the Eagle E-Type Speedster.
The entire body of the Low Drag GT is made from aluminum that has been streamlined and widened to improve the overall aerodynamic efficiency of the sports car. During the restoration and construction, the floor pan is lowered and wheelbase is extended to improve the interior comfort, more leg room, and increased luggage space with a larger trunk. A slippery Mercury paint is worn by the entire body of the Low Drag GT and complimented by Satin chrome bright work throughout.
Beneath the hood is an all-aluminum 4.7-liter inline-six cylinder engine from Eagle that has that classic feel with modern technology and reliability. The engine utilizes electronic fuel injection and individual throttle bodies and specially designed ECU to produce a total of 346 bhp at 4,800 RPM and 360 lb-ft. of torque at 3,600 RPM. Power is transmitted through an aluminum five-speed transmission and aluminum Power Lock differential, sending the 2,288-lb. Low Drag GT to 60 mph in less than five seconds and to a top speed over 170 mph.
The low overall weight of the Eagle Low Drag GT makes it a nimble performer in the handling and braking department. But, Eagle’s new components that were installed during the creation of the sports car are also partially responsible. The sports car features speed-sensitive electric power-assisted steering and a full Eagle Supersport suspension with Ohlins dampers for precise handling. The chassis also benefits from a set of AP Racing brakes with four-piston calipers and 315 mm front and 280 mm rear discs. The brakes are hidden by a set of cast magnesium peg drive wheels that have the classic three-eared spinners and measure 7.0 x 16 up front and 8.0 x 16 at the rear with 225/55 x 16 and 235/60 x 16 tires.
One of the more appealing parts of the Eagle Low Drag GT is the roomier and more comfortable interior. The entire cabin wears a full leather trim and contrasting alcantara headliner while the added leg room makes long drives a bit easier. Modern conveniences are also used such as re-circulating air conditioning and flush-mounted heated front and rear windshields. New insulation also makes the ride more comfortable and refined.
Production of the Eagle Low Drag GT will be limited to just a few cars and be priced in excess of £600,000, but it is surely an instant classic. Each car will also be offered with a wide range of engine, suspension, braking, and transmission options to create a truly unique automobile. Each example will be built in the company’s rural East Sussex headquarters.
Eagle Low Drag GT Specifications
Low Drag GT bullet points;
Streamlined and widened all-aluminum body shell
Lowered floor pan and extended wheelbase for extra legroom and comfort
Flush fitting and heated glass front and rear
Magnesium 16” peg drive wheels
Three eared wheel spinners
Long range fuel cell
Increased luggage space
Most other detail fittings are unique also
Customer bespoke specification on GT1 include:
-4.7 liter all-aluminum engine
-Sequential fuel injection with individual throttle bodies
-Aluminum 5 speed gearbox
-Aluminum limited slip differential
-Speed sensitive electric power assisted steering
-Re-circulating air conditioning
-Eagle Supersport suspension including Ohlins dampers
-AP Racing brakes
-Mercury paint finish
-Satin chrome bright work
-Full leather trim with contrasting Alcantara headlining
Eagle Low Drag GT1 Specification:
Engine: 4.7 liter, aluminum in line 6 cylinder, longitudinal front mounted
Cylinder head: Aluminum twin cam big valve.
Max power: 346bhp at 4800 RPM
Max Torque: 360lb ft at 3600 RPM
Fuelling: Fuel injection with individual throttle bodies and ECU
Transmission: Aluminum 5 speed gearbox, aluminum Power Lock differential
Suspension: Independent wishbones with Ohlins adjustable dampers
Brakes: 315mm/280mm vented discs, AP Racing 4 pot calipers, servo assistance
Steering: Rack and pinion
Wheels: 7 x 16 front, 8 x 16 rear cast magnesium peg drive
Tires: 225/55 x 16 front, 235/60 x 16 rear
Weight: 1038kg dry (2,288 lbs)
0 – 60mph: under 5 seconds
Top speed: 170mph plus
Height: 1200mm
Length: 4310mm
Width: 1740mm
Eagle Low Drag GT Gallery
Source: Eagle
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