Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations has unveiled the first of the six new Lightweight E-Type prototype, ahead of its scheduled debut at Pebble Beach this weekend.

The new Lightweight E-type is the first recreation to come from Jaguar Heritage

Earlier this year, Jaguar announced that it would recreate six new Lightweights, each built by Jaguar Heritage, part of Jaguar Land Rover's new Special Operations division. Jaguar’s Lightweight E-type project started back in 1963, with the last car assembled in 1964. The company had initially planned to build 18 of these models, however only 12 were built so Jaguar is following through and completing the remaining six units.

In recreating the Lightweight, Jaguar Heritage has drawn on Jaguar's unique engineering and design resources, including the company's world-leading aluminium body technology. Also the new Lightweight E-Types will be built to the exact specification of the original cars. To preview the design, the engineers have prepared a prototype Lightweight – 'Car Zero' which will be on display during the Pebble Beach Automotive event.

The handcrafted model features an aluminium monocoque, aluminium body closures (bonnet/doors/trunk) and a removable aluminium roof. Much of Car Zero's interior – floor pan, sills, rear areas – have intentionally been left unpainted, to emphasise the car's aluminium bodywork, while Connolly leather is used to trim the competition-type aluminium bucket seat base as well as the centre console.

Power comes from an aluminium 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine that produces 253 kW and 380 Nm of torque, and is connected to a four-speed manual gearbox. In addition, the aluminium-block engine has a 10:1 compression ratio and is based on the engine that powered the D-type to Le Mans victory in 1957. The six cars will be sold as period competition vehicles and all will be suitable for FIA homologation for historic motorsport purposes. Pricing? Well, if you have to ask you probably can't afford it.