The Ecurie Scotland LM69, the beautiful tribute to the Jaguar XJ13

Ecurie école and Jaguar have a long history. The team founded in Edinburgh in 1952 by gentleman driver David Murray entered several Jaguars between 1956 and 1962. 24 Hours of Le Mans (Sarthe), with two victories in 1956 and 1957. At the time, the cutting-edge weapon was the Type-D and its shark fin as an extension of the cockpit. 

Nostalgic for this golden era, the current boss of Ecurie école, Hugh McCaig, decided in 2016 to launch a very ambitious project, called LM69. Passionate about the history of the British manufacturer, the buyer looked into the mysterious XJ13 project. 

The Jaguar XJ13 was to be produced in 1966 in order to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, against the Ford GT and others. Ferrari 330 P3. The engineers planned to implement a 12-liter V5 in a central position (a first in Jaguar history at the time), covered in a thin, long dress. 

However, this was without taking into account internal political concerns and a change in the sporting regulations led to the project being stopped. The XJ13 remained as a concept on the drawing board in Jaguar's Competition Department. 

One fine day in 1967, the members of Ecurie école went to the Jaguar factory near Coventry. Their gaze fell on the plans of the XJ13; neither one nor two, they offer to take over the work and bring it to fruition. Unfortunately, other financial difficulties will arise and the plan will collapse, after the production of a single prototype.

So Hugh McCaig read this story and wondered: “What if this car had been developed to the end? What would have been the result? » 50 years later, the LM69 was born. Rather than a modern interpretation of the XJ13, Ecurie église decided to delve into 1969.

The motto for this car was to create a car following the technology of 1969. No carbon or small displacement, but always a huge 12-liter V5 and composite materials. It is even approved according to the specifications of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) of the time. 

The LM69 is not there (only) for decoration. She rolls ! Moreover, it will be produced in 25 copies in the workshops of the Western Mindlands, where the old… Jaguar factory was located. Wealthy owners will be able to drive on circuits, but also on open roads. Without a reversing radar, it could be an adventure!

It will only be officially unveiled to the public at the beginning of September during the International Concours d'Elegance at Hampton Court Palace (Great Britain), but we have unearthed a video clip of the meeting between the exclusive XJ13 and its descendant. That makes noise !