Never has a magazine article needed sound more than this one. Gone is the smooth, cultured exhaust note that you'd normally expect from a Jaguar E-type. In its place is the fearsome crackle of an American V8. A big American V8. It's an intimidating noise even at idle, as you adjust the lapbelts, take a brief look at the controls and try to get your head around the fact that this brute of a car is perfectly road-legal. And that you're about to seriously disturb the peace and quiet of the Sussex countryside.
Given how it looks and sounds, the first surprise is that it's not as difficult to drive as you might expect. The clutch is firm and sharp, but not 'on-off' unmanageable, and the gearchange in the four-speed, all-synchromesh Jaguar 'box is straightforward, though you do need to keep a firm hold on the chunky steering wheel. If you don't, those huge front tyres will try to wrest control from you as they follow every camber and imperfection. Also, the non-servo brakes need to be warmer than they're likely to get on the road before they really do much, but it's all beautifully sorted and remarkably user-friendly.
None of which will be the lasting impression of driving the Egal. That's 'E' for E-type and 'Gal' for Galaxie - a hybrid of Jaguar chassis and Ford power that was built to go racing during the '60s. Its 7-litre V8 was bored out to 8.5 litres during a more recent American restoration, and the power and torque are simply immense. Dyno figures show just over 600bhp and 600lb ft respectively. Or, to put it another way, more than enough to approach with caution.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
RAY HILLIER
Double-chevron oddity proves a break from the norm for this Crewe specialist
SHORT BACK & GLIDES
Eccentric enthusiast Captain RG McLeod's series of Manx-tailed Bentley Specials reached its zenith with this unique S2 Continental.
People's choice
The diminutive but multi-million-selling Fiat 850 packed a remarkable diversity of form and function into its compact footprint
PLASTIC BREAKS FROM THE NORM
Glassfibre revolutionised niche car-body production, but just occasionally strayed into the mainstream.
A SENSIBLE SUPERCAR
The cleverly conceived four-seater Elite secured Lotus a place at the big players' table, but has it been unfairly maligned since then?
"I had a habit of grabbing second place from the jaws of victory"
From dreams of yachting glory to the Le Mans podium, via a stint at the top of the motorsport tree, Howden Ganley had quite the career
Still going strong
Herbert Engineering staked its reputation on the five-year warranty that came with its cars. A century on, this Two Litre hasn't made a claim
One for the kids
General Motors was aiming squarely at the youth market with the launch of the Pontiac GTO 60 years ago, and its runaway success popularised the muscle-car movement
A NEW BREED OF HERO
Launched at the turn of the millennium, the GT3 badge has already earned a place alongside RS, CS and turbo in Porsche lore.
Brits with SIX appeal
The straight-six engine is synonymous with a decades-long legacy of great British sports cars. Six variations on the sextet theme convene for comparison
