Four of these popular Lightweights have run in recent historic racing events:

The works-modified Lightweight raced competitively with its aluminum body and engine block. (Photo: wouter Melissen)

Chassis S850006 is considered to be the first Lightweight E-Type. It was originally delivered in 1961 as a steel-bodied Roadster to Coombs of Guildford. Fitted with a wide-angle cylinder head and triple Webers, it was raced extensively by the likes of Roy Salvadori and Graham Hill. They scored one win and finished on the podium several times.

During the winter of 1962/63, the car was extensively modified by the works. Fitted with an aluminum body and cylinder block, it became the first Lightweight E-Type. Hill raced the car very successfully in local events, winning races at Goodwood, Silverstone and Mallory Park.

In 1965 the car was run by Red Rose, who campaigned the car for Brian Redman. He added many more wins to the Lightweight E-Type's tally.

The Cunningham team entered three Lightweights in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. (Photo: Wouter Melissen)

After launching Redman's racing career, it was retired from contemporary racing. Still wearing its original license-plate 4 WPD, chassis S850006 has since been raced in historic events by its various owners. This did not always go well as the car was involved in big crashes in 1995 and again in 2006.

The current owner acquired the car with a severely damaged body after its most recent incident. Late in 2008 a careful restoration was started to the E-Type's 1963 specification, fitting many original parts that had been removed over the years but had stayed with the car. The work was completed in time for the recent Goodwood Revival Meeting, where it was raced by the owner and Red Bull Racing supremo Christian Horner.

Chassis S850664 was one of three Lightweight E-Types entered by the Briggs Cunningham team in the 1963 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Piloted by Americans Augie Pabst and Walt Hansgen, the car was forced to retire early in the race with gearbox issues.

After its active racing career, it was displayed in the Cunningham museum for many years. At some point, the car returned to England, where despite changing hands several times, it remains to this day. The ex-Cunningham E-Type is seen here at the 2002 Goodwood Festival of Speed.