ALL OF THE important Jaguar E-types have been coming out of hiding for the 50th anniversary celebrations. Rather a lot have been coming up for sale, too. And why not – public awareness and appreciation have never been higher. For the 2011 Goodwood Revival, which is celebrating the birthday with its own E-type race, Bonhams – an event  partner – has announced the sale of two significant cars that should guarantee their new owners entry into the 2012 event.

First is the ex-Sir Robert Ropner ‘Semi-Lightweight’ E-type (inset images); second is the ex-Briggs Cunningham Team 1958 Lister-Jaguar ‘Knobbly’ sports-racing car. Both are expected to encourage competitive bidding.

The road-going Ropner E-type roadster features a production-type steel-skinned monocoque chassis with weight-saving aluminium bonnet and boot lid, plus numerous other definitive racing ‘Lightweight’ features.  It’s powered by a special iron-block, wet-sump engine that features the 35/40 wide-angle cylinder head made famous by the D-type. The engine also features polished crankshaft and connecting rods, and is mated to a five-speed ZF ’box; all this and the Lightweight-style hardtop contribute to a roadgoing 165mph top speed.

The Lister-Jaguar ‘Knobbly’ is reputed to be one of the most original and unspoiled examples left. The first production ‘Knobbly’, chassis no BHL 101, was bought by Briggs Cunningham for his private team early in 1958.

It was the first of two supplied to him, and in the hands of Walt Hansgen and Ed Crawford it dominated SCCA national road-racing through 1958-59. It’s now being offered by Bonhams direct from 20 years in its most recent ownership.

The Knobbly has been mechanically ‘refreshed’ and is described as being in ‘wonderfully well-patinated running order’.

See www.bonhams.com/cars