Back in 1966, Jaguar unveiled the XJ13, a prototype race car designed for the Le Mans 24 race. Although the project faced challenges and never fully materialized, it hinted at the potential Jaguar had in store.
Now, the Scottish manufacturer Ecurie Cars is breathing new life into this dream for its Ecurie Ecosse racing team. The result is the Ecurie Ecosse LM69 sports car, which will be street legal. This vehicle pays homage to the original Jaguar XJ13 Le Mans prototype that could have been.
The Ecosse car will incorporate features and technology that were available in cars up to 1969. This retro approach will also extend to the design of the vehicle. Unlike a mere replica, this car introduces modern elements while staying true to its heritage.
The modern version boasts a fixed roof, rear wing, and winglets to improve aerodynamics. It also sports wider wheels and uses lightweight materials to enhance performance.
Powering the Ecosse is a 5.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine with quad-cam setup. Equipped with a mechanical fuel injection system, the engine delivers 502bhp and 517Nm of torque, matching the XJ13’s performance. The car can reach a top speed of 177 mph.
Image Source: Jaguar XJ @ Pixabay