Bonhams & Butterfields is thrilled to offer here one of the most significant surviving major-motor industry prototype cars ever to come to public auction.

This unique and celebrated prototype Jaguar ‘E2A’ - as driven by no fewer than four of the world’s greatest racing drivers, Dan Gurney, Sir Jack Brabham, Bruce McLaren and Walt Hansgen – is offered here direct from one long-term family ownership which has not only endured for the past 40 years, but which is also the car’s first ownership ex-works.

Jaguar E2A is offered here in wonderfully original and unspoiled ex-works condition, as last repainted and prepared cosmetically for sale to its private enthusiast owners.

By 1960 Jaguar had won the world’s most prestigious motor race, the Le Mans 24-Hours, no fewer than five times; twice with its original competition-tailored C-Type and three times with the tail-finned D-Type.

At that juncture, company head Sir William Lyons had decreed that it was time for this phenomenal sporting ped...