THIS ECURIE ECOSSE LM69 IS WHAT THE JAGUAR XJ13 PROTOTYPE SHOULD HAVE BEEN

Designed way back in 1966 to race in the 1969 Le Mans 24 Hours, this Jaguar XJ13 was supposed to challenge the likes of Ford, Ferrari and Porsche. Sadly, it never did.

Do you remember the Jaguar that challenged for the title of champion in the 1969 Le Mans 24 Hours? Nope? Well, that's because it wasn't there. Jaguar pulled the plug on their XJ13 prototype before it had the chance to turn a wheel in an actual race. It seems the British manufacturer had other priorities, and without enough funding, this beautiful racer was put out to pasture.

Until now, that is, because a Scottish tuning company called Ecurie Ecosse has breathed life into the once forgotten racer. It's not going to be challenging for any racing title though, this time it's going to be a road-legal sports car for the discerning gentleman. Or lady. One who has around £750,000 burning a hole through their pocket.

Ecurie Ecosse has taken the 1966 Jaguar XJ13 prototype and built the LM69 from the ground up using a combination of aluminium and composite materials to be true to the era of motorsport regulations. Bearing this in mind, all details and technology used on this vehicle were only available before 1969. It's that attention to detail that makes this sports car extremely rare in the modern world.

So, what does this actually mean? Firstly, it's got a mid-mounted quad-cam, naturally aspirated 5.3-litre V12 engine, fed by a traditional mechanical fuel injection system and distributors, and built to the same specification as the original XJ13 powerplant. In honour of its forebearer, the engine will produce the same 502bhp and 517Nm of torque as the prototype, propelling the car to a top speed of 177mph.

If buyers are concerned about reliability and are also looking for more power, there are options. They can choose fit a programmable fuel injection and electronic ignition system, or they can specify a tuned version of the V12 which sees capacity increased to 7.3-litres.

Whichever option prospective owners choose will fit under a curved glass engine cover. This was not part of the prototype, and neither was the fixed roof, large rear wing, wider wheels and tyres or a pair of aggressive dive planes. These additions are purpose-built for the LM69 to aid the handling of the car and have been constructed to remain faithful to the original Jaguar XJ13’s styling.

In a nod to the 1969 FIA homologation regulations, only 25 units of this car will be built. If you want to see one in the flesh, they will debut at the Concourse of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace in London in September. Best you get in touch with the Scottish manufacturer if you want to get your hands on one of these exclusive Ecurie Ecosse LM69, they're already taking orders.