1961 Jaguar E-Type, 'CUT 7' Ex-Dick Protheroe
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1961 Jaguar E-type, ‘CUT 7’ Ex-Dick Protheroe Highlights • The first Protheroe E-type to wear the registration ‘CUT 7’ • Campaigned extensively by Protheroe with great success • 6th overall in the 1962 Goodwood Tourist Trophy • Winner of the 1962 Autosport National Championship • Prepared by E-type devotees Valley Motorsport & offered with valid HTP Former RAF pilot Dick Protheroe was no Chassis Number ‘860004’, was Protheroe and his apprentice mechanics, stranger to the Jaguar brand. Stationed the fourth right-hand drive fixed- Bill Cotterill and Pat Wells immediately Description in Egypt in 1952, Protheroe acquired his head E-type produced by Jaguar set about modifying and developing first Jaguar, an aluminium bodied XK120 at the famous Brown’s Lane factory the new E-type for competition use. which he modified and campaigned in Coventry. Painted in Opalescent The engine was modified to run D-type before returning to England in 1953. Two Gunmetal Grey with dark blue interior specification wide-angle heads and further XK’s would follow, the final one trim, it was aptly delivered to Protheroe Weber carburettors, uprated brakes bearing the registration ‘CUT 6’. Upon on 13th September 1961 by Jaguar and improved suspension. Often seen leaving the RAF, Protheroe followed his Dealer, Sturgess of Leicester. Robin testing on the runway at Bruntingthorpe, passion and started a Jaguar & Austin Sturgess had a close affinity to the Protheroe registered his new E-type dealership called County Motors, marque having raced XK’s, C-type, ‘CUT 7’ and painted its nose pale blue out of which he based his small but D-type and E-types successfully for in a nod to one of his first race cars – a competitive race team. many years. Bugatti Type 37. ‘CUT 7’ was campaigned extensively throughout the 1962 season, not just in club events but also at international level. With victories at Mallory Park, Silverstone, Crystal Palace and Snetterton, Protheroe had his eyes set on securing the Autosport National Championship for Production Sports Cars, and with just one retirement in 10 outings, he won the Over 3-litre class. A particular highlight was the 1962 Goodwood Tourist Trophy. Protheroe lined up on the grid amongst some of the toughest competition he had faced, including works Ferrari 250 GTO’s, Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato’s and factory-supported Jaguar E-types. With a driver line up including Innes Ireland, Graham Hill, Roy Salvadori and David Piper, Protheroe and ‘CUT 7’ would finish a very credible 6th overall. Despite Protheroe’s many successes Advertised by Protheroe as ‘The fastest during the 1962 season, he knew that and lightest E-type FHC in existence’, he needed to try and stay ahead of the Jaguar was sold to Clive Castle his competitors hence his decision to from London. The history file contains acquire another E-type, this time in numerous letters between Protheroe component form, and return his first and Castle discussing the road going E-type to road specification. That car specification that Protheroe was to was duly road registered as ‘636 CJU’ return the Jaguar to prior to Castle and returned to fast-road trim before taking delivery at his home in London. being sold to make way for his new The E-type changed ownership three self-built E-type. more times during the next thirty years all of which is documented. ‘CUT 7’ was then owned by renowned Jaguar racer – John Young followed by Colin Pearcy. In 2000, Nick Whale acquired the FHC to use Acquired by the current owner in 2013, the Accompanied by valid HTP Papers, history files in historic events before selling to Paul Drayson decision was made to return the car to its correct and spares package, ‘CUT 7’ is a highly significant (latterly Baron Drayson) who had embarked Protheroe livery with Bugatti blue nose band. Race and eligible Jaguar E-type that deserves to have on dovetailing some historic racing with his preparation and maintenance were entrusted to its illustrious racing history continued. commitments in the American Le Mans Series and E-type devotees, Valley Motorsport. ‘CUT 7’ has the Le Mans 24 Hours. since been a regular and competitive entrant at the Goodwood Revival RAC Tourist Trophy Celebration race – a highlight of the historic race calendar. Photographs v +44 (0) 20 7078 0835 www.henderson-fellowes.com [email protected].