22/05/2023
An update on the Spitfire E-Type chassis no 860035 providing some of it's racing history. I was recently able to acquire the photographic records of the West Midlands Archer family and in particular momentoes including race programs and trophies of the late son, Peter Archer, depicting his racing exploits in the E Type through the late 60s and early 70s. The family had run a car dealership in Shirley and Solihull, ‘Archers of Shirley’, pre and post war, firstly as a Standard Triumph agent and later including Austin/Morris and Jaguar. Peter’s father had, pre and post war, taken part in trials and hill climbs - evidenced by a number of trophies now also in my possession, and no doubt he had been an influence on his son’s racing activities. Some of the photos bear the logo ‘Archers of Shirley’ on the car’s flanks indicative of the family’s support.
It is evident from the photographs that the car was initially raced in the standard bodywork, albeit with the addition of various air scoops, but later substantially modified with extended raised wheel arches and lowered suspension (the difference illustrated by the two images above).
Amongst the treasures found in the family records was a small printed brochure, published by Jaguar Cars entitled ‘Tuning & Preparation of “E” Type Cars for Competition Use’, providing a ‘guide for owners of E Type models who, in addition to normal road use may wish to use their cars on occasions for racing………..which may result in improved performance without making the car unsuitable for road use’.
No doubt this was referred to by Peter Archer whilst developing the car for racing, with some success judging by the race results, awards and trophies now in my possession.
