External
Internal
Jaguar needed to modify the E type to meet the changing regulations imposed by the FIA. The answer was to create a new coupe version with a more efficient roof line. Malcolm Sayer defined the shape of the roof whilst creating the first of the Low Drags at Browns Lane, three versions were then created, the Linder Knocker, the works prototype that became CUT7 in the able hands of Dicky Protheroe and 49FXN.
The prototype low-drag, CUT7, had a steel monocoque made of a thinner gauge steel than standard with the roof, doors and bonnet made from aluminium.
49 FXN was converted in period from a Roadster into low drag form and whilst not built by the factory it was constructed entirely from aluminium. With the guidance of renown Aerodynamicist Sami Klat. Great care was taken to ensure that the car would offer the least resistance to movement through the air and in so doing produced the fastest of the three Low Drag cars produced.
The car was driven initially by the two Peters, Lumsden and Sargent, they took the car to several victories in 1963 and beyond.
This car, 924 FXC, mirrors 49FXN with its all-aluminium monocoque crafted by leading specialist Rod Jay. The alloy lightweight engine is the work of the renowned engine builder David Butcher. It uses a wide-angle D type cylinder head mounted to a Crosthwaite & Gardiner alloy block, which together with its other alloy components saves 45Kg from the front end of the car.
Within the engine, a Farndon steel billet crank, Robson long con rods coupled to forged lightweight Diamond pistons with Total Seal rings, together with long duration, high lift cams provide an excellent and reliable 360BHP at 5800RPM. Ignition is controlled by a special build Distributor and a MSD CDI controller with rev limiting.
The repackable stainless steel exhaust designed and built by Chris Tullet comes with a rear interchangeable silencer to accommodate circuits with stricter noise limits. Lambda sensor fittings are located on the manifolds for use when dyno running.
The car was last run in November 2021 to test a rebuilt low ratio differential (3.77-1), which is installed in the car. There is a longer ratio differential as part of the sale for circuits where a longer ratio is beneficial. Both differentials are made by Gripper with special ramp angles selected to suit the car’s weight.
Since the car was last raced, its body was prepared and repainted in its present colour of Aston green. At the same time all service items were inspected and serviced as required. The car is currently set up ready to compete on track. The engine currently has 3 hours since rebuild, the gearbox and fitted differential, zero hours.