Silverstone Classic hosts world record ‘largest parade of Jaguar cars’ when 767 XKEs lap the legendary Grand Prix circuit.
The 2011 Siverstone Classic event showcased a major celebration of the 50th birthday of the Jaguar E-Type, first produced in 1961. More than 1,000 XKEs were on site and the vast majority of these (767) took to the Grand Prix track, above, for a unique parade. Although in excess of 800 E-Types took to the famous Grand Prix track, the record of 767 is based on the number of participating cars meeting the strict record verification criteria.
Getting all those gleaming E-types on and off the track presented a considerable logistical challenge and resulted in an unrivaled display of one of the most beautiful sports cars ever produced. Owners came from across Europe, from North America, Mexico and Australia to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Among the parade participants were some very special E-types. These included famous examples with registration numbers 9600 HP, 77 RW and 848 CRY as well as the legendary Lindner/Nocker low-drag racer.
9600 HP is the oldest surviving E-Type and the only 1960 prototype in existence. It was the original launch car, the 150-mph road test car and the subject of The Most Famous Car in the World. 77 RW is the earliest surviving production roadster and an original press car. 848 CRY was the twelfth roadster produced and the most active racing E-Type in 1961. It also appeared in The Italian Job. The Lindner/Nocker Lightweight, below, Stuart Schorr (Goodwood) Photo, is one of the 12 original Lightweight E-Types, raced in 1963/64 by Peter Lindner and Peter Nocker. It has been recently restored.
"The Silverstone Classic weekend set many new records, both on and off the track," said event director Nick Wigley. “The icing on the cake is to have achieved a new Guinness World Record for the number of Jaguars on parade. It was an incredible sight to see so many examples of the beautiful and iconic E-Type, four abreast stretching all around the full Grand Prix circuit.”
However, the Silverstone Classic was not just about the Jaguar E-Type. More than 7,000 classic cars from 120 enthusiast clubs filled the race circuit with a stunning display of automotive design, development and passion.
For more information about the Silverstone Classic, please visit, www.SilverstoneClassic.com