Best part of £1 million lying around? Then you may want to rush out and buy the gob-smackingly beautiful new Eagle Sypder GT – I know I would . . .

Press release courtesy of Eagle E-Types

The latest addition to the world-renowned stable of ‘Special Edition’ Jaguar E-Types that comprises the Eagle E-Type, Eagle Speedster and the Eagle Low Drag GT.

First announced during the 2016 London Classic Car Show to great acclaim, construction is now complete on the very first of these hand crafted lightweight roadsters.

With only a very few being built, this will join the other Eagle Special Edition E-types as the most exclusive hand built cars in the world.

The Spyder GT builds upon the groundbreaking Eagle Speedster adding a folding roof to offer the best of both worlds – whatever the weather.

The 4.7 litre XK engine offers 330bhp and an impressive 340 ft lbs of torque, all in a car weighing just 1,029 kg. Extensive weight saving measures include a bespoke aluminium monocoque, aluminium gearbox, aluminium engine block and magnesium components.

*Eagle E-Type Spyder GT – All photos: James Lipman*

NEW – THE EAGLE SPYDER GT

More than thirty years of singular focus on the Jaguar E-Type comes into play with this, the fourth special edition E-Type in the series, the Eagle Spyder GT.

With the poise and performance of the Low Drag GT and the exquisite styling of the Speedster, the Spyder GT’s taller raked windscreen and folding roof offer the best of both worlds – whatever the weather.

Completely bespoke with extensive customer options, the few produced will be the most exclusive hand built cars in the world.

As with all Eagle Special Editions, the Spyder GT begins life as an original E-Type ready to be restored.

The aluminium monocoque features deeper sills, a lower floor pan and wider wheel arches featuring custom 16” wheels and tyres.

The bespoke, hand crafted interior features sumptuous leather and a gorgeous sweeping centre console – very much part of the Eagle Special Edition design DNA – complete with hidden handbrake lever. The attention to detail and level of finish throughout is truly exquisite.

The engineering perfectly blends original and new technology and the Eagle Spyder GT offers blistering performance. With 330bhp and 340 ft lbs of torque it powers from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds and pulls hard all the way to its top speed of over 170mph.

DRIVING THE EAGLE SPYDER GT

From the outset, the Spyder GT was designed to perform.

For long distance driving it has the calm assurance and the all the manners for touring – you sit cocooned in luxury with the view forward over the long bonnet and it’s a wonderful place to be. You have a solid sense of connection with the road, with precise handling characteristics gained from over 30 years of suspension development at Eagle.

When you put your foot down the Spyder GT transforms into a seriously exhilarating supercar.

In that instant the straight-six develops a whole new character – with so much torque the 4.7 litre engine pulls away with real intent, emitting a powerful deep growl as the exhaust barks, the crackling sounds on the overrun adding to the drama and excitement.

It’s an exceptional performer by any measure.

Working through the gears you quickly realise why the Eagle Special Edition E-Types have been subject of such enthusiastic acclaim. This is a driving experience like no other.

With so few being built, this will join the other Eagle Special Edition E-types as the most exclusive hand built cars in the world.

Henry Pearman, Managing Director at Eagle says:

“We’re really proud of what’s been achieved with our E-Type Special Editions, and the worldwide reaction has made all the years of effort and dedication completely worthwhile.

The Spyder GT represents the very best of what we do here at Eagle and we’re thrilled to present it to the world.”

Paul Brace, Design Director adds:

“The E-Type is such a superb car to work with, and being able to add the Spyder GT as the fourth Eagle Special Edition gives us all great pleasure. Again, the worldwide reaction has been incredible.

We’re glad that so many people share our passion for these wonderful cars”

WHAT THE PRESS SAY SO FAR

“The result is a creation so beautiful and perfectly proportioned I could look at it for the rest of my life.”

CHRIS EVANS / THE MAIL ON SUNDAY

“The Eagle Spyder GT is not only beautiful to look at, it’s stunning to drive too. It typifies everything that the modern world eschews, leaving you in total control and, with modern suspension, handles better than any E-Type has before.”

TIFF NEEDELL / IOD DIRECTOR

“It sounds almost too good to be true, but Eagle’s Spyder GT has a silver-screen quality that makes you feel like you’re living in some perfect film of your own life.”

HENRY CATCHPOLE / EVO MAGAZINE

TECHNICAL DATA

Engine:7 litre straight six, longitudinal front mounted, aluminium block
Cylinder Head: Aluminium big valve twin cam
Fuelling: Triple 2″ SU Carburettors
Power: 330bhp @ 4800rpm
Torque: 340lb ft @ 3600rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential
Front suspension: Double wishbones, torsion bars, adjustable Öhlins damper units, anti-roll bar
Rear suspension: Lower wishbone with load bearing driveshaft, twin spring/adjustable Öhlins damper units, anti-roll bar
Brakes: AP Racing aluminium calipers, ventilated discs, 315mm front, 280mm rear, servo assisted
Wheels: 6 x 16 front, 7.5 x 16 rear, aluminium rims with stainless steel
Tyres: 225/55 R16 front, 235/60 R16 rear
Weight: 1029kg
Power-to-weight: 326bhp/ton
0-60 mph: Under 5.0 sec
Top speed: Over 170mph
Height: 1,105 mm
Length: 4,260 mm
Width: 1,740 mm