Ecurie Cars has dropped the first official images of
the limited-edition LM69 supercar, a re-imagination of the iconic Jaguar XJ13
endurance racer. Back in 1966, Jaguar created the XJ13 prototype racer -the brand’s
first mid-engined car- to defend the company’s crown in the 24 Hours of Le
Mans. However, and due to a regulation change, the car never actually raced.
Ecurie Cars says that it will build the LM69 in just
25 examples, with power coming from a quad-cam V12 engine, just like the original.
The company’s brief was to remain true in spirit and sympathetic to the XJ13’s
styling but the LM69 comes with a fixed roof and a new aero agenda that
includes a incorporated rear wing.
The UK-based company used composite materials in the
LM69’s construction, making it lighter than the original car. The bodywork’s
aero agenda features “experimental aerodynamic devices” according to Ecurie,
with the car also fitted with wider wheels and a “much-improved” engine.
Despite these differences, the Ecurie LM69 adheres
to the regulations of the time, featuring technology used in racing no later
than early 1969. Production will take place at Ecurie’s home in the UK, with
each example to be hand-built by the “best British craftsmen in their field”.
Ecurie Cars didn’t announce any technical details of
the LM69 just yet, but we imagine they will during the model’s official public
debut at the Hampton Court Palace’s International Concours of Elegance in
London on September 6.
