EGAL: The Ultimate Ford Galaxie V8 Big-Cat Hybrid

Unique ONES - The 1960s were a pivotal time for car enthusiasts, characterized by ambitious modifications that fused European elegance with American power. Among the remarkable creations of this era was the Jaguar E-Type “EGAL” — with 'E' representing E-Type and 'Gal' signifying Galaxie. This bold hybrid combined the sleek design of the Jaguar E-Type with the immense power of a Ford Galaxie V8 engine. While other models, like the Shelby Cobra, gained widespread fame, the EGAL emerged as a unique engineering marvel, showcasing the creativity and expertise of its creators.

The fearsome Jaguar E-Type 'EGAL,' created by Rob Beck and Geoff Richardson, was a bold hybrid that fused the sleek design of the E-Type with the immense power of a Ford Galaxie V8 engine. (Picture from: Fiskens)

The EGAL was the result of the collaboration between Rob Beck and Geoff Richardson, two experienced racers and engineers. Before embarking on the EGAL project, they had already worked on a highly modified Jaguar XK120, which had earned them a reputation for maximizing Jaguar’s engine capabilities. By 1964, however, they felt they had reached the limits of what they could achieve with Jaguar’s traditional powerplants. Their next step was more daring—fitting a larger American engine into a Jaguar E-Type. Having gained experience with oversized American engines, particularly a 3.5L Buick V8 in a Cooper Formula Junior car, they set their sights on creating a V8-powered E-Type.

The masterminds behind Jaguar E-type 'EGAL' were Rob Beck and Geoff Richardson, both seasoned racers and engineers. (Picture from: Fiskens)

To begin their project, Rob and Geoff secured a 7-liter NASCAR-spec Ford Galaxie 427ci engine, capable of producing over 470 horsepower, from Holman & Moody, a well-known American race preparer. To house this massive engine, they acquired a used Jaguar E-Type with chassis number 850450. The challenge of fitting such a large engine into the narrow frame of the E-Type, originally designed for a 3.8-liter straight-six, was significant. They had to modify the top tubes of the space frame to create enough room, but the engine fit more smoothly than expected, showing the duo’s engineering prowess.

In 1972, the Jaguar E-Type 'EGAL' underwent further modifications, including the installation of wider JA Pearce alloy wheels, which enhanced both traction and braking performance. (Picture from: Fiskens)

The original Jaguar gearbox was kept, but a new twin-plate Borg and Beck clutch, similar to those used in Shelby Cobras, was added to handle the increased power. Cooling the massive engine posed another challenge, as the Jaguar’s standard radiator couldn’t cope. They replaced it with a Gallay radiator and oil cooler, along with a revised bonnet featuring air ducts styled after the Ferrari 250 GTO. With these modifications, the EGAL was finally ready for the track.

To cool its massive engine, the Jaguar E-Type EGAL is equipped with a Gallay radiator and oil cooler, complemented by a revised bonnet featuring Ferrari 250 GTO-inspired air ducts, making it track-ready. (Picture from: Fiskens)

The EGAL made its racing debut in 1964 at Silverstone during a mid-summer meeting organized by the Nottingham Sports Car Club. It quickly made an impression, winning both the sports car and Formula Libre events. Its success continued later that year, when it went up against two Ferrari 250 GTOs at Castle Combe, beating them in an impressive display of power and handling. Rob Beck handled the driving, while Geoff Richardson took care of the pits. The car’s power was undeniable, but its Jaguar brakes struggled with the challenge of slowing the vehicle down from speeds of up to 150 mph.

Despite its monstrous power, the Jaguar E-Type 'EGAL' isn’t as intimidating on public roads as you might expect—in dry conditions, at least. (Picture from: ClassicAndSportsCar)

Despite the brake issues, the EGAL continued to perform well. However, Rob Beck eventually passed the driving duties to Barrie "Whizzo" Williams, an experienced rally driver. Barrie’s ability to handle drift-prone cars made him an excellent fit for the EGAL, and under his control, the car continued to win races and podium finishes at various events and hill climbs throughout Britain. However, by 1968, the car began to lose its competitive edge, primarily due to braking limitations caused by the Borrani wheels, which restricted the size of the brakes that could be used.

A roll cage makes the Jaguar E-Type EGAL's already tight cabin feel even more snug, providing added safety while enhancing the sense of being securely enveloped within the car's sporty compact interior. (Picture from: Fiskens)

In 1972, Bob Kerr of Loch Lomond, Scotland, bought the EGAL and made further modifications, including fitting wider JA Pearce alloy wheels, which improved both traction and braking. Bob continued to race the EGAL in local hill climbs, including the Doune Hill Climb. Over the years, the car passed through various hands and eventually found its way to the United States in the late 1980s, where it took part in vintage racing events at tracks like Watkins Glen and Laguna Seca.

The Jaguar E-type EGAL’s front subframe tubes had to be tweaked to make way for the vast V8 engine. (Picture from: Fiskens)

During its time in the U.S., the EGAL received further upgrades, including having its engine bored out to 8.5 liters, pushing its power to over 650 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque. The car’s performance was so impressive that Warren “Woody” Southwell, one of its owners, reported that the EGAL could keep up with GT40s on straightaways. This increase in power only added to the car’s already legendary status on the track.

The Jaguar E-Type EGAL is equipped with massive 26.5x8.0-15 front tires that effortlessly follow every camber in the road, providing exceptional grip and stability during drives. (Picture from: Fiskens)

In 2018, the EGAL returned to the UK, where its current owner entrusted it to Chris Keith Lucas, a Jaguar specialist at CKL Developments, for restoration. After its restoration, the EGAL reappeared at British motorsport events, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Shelsley Walsh in 2021, marking its first appearance in the UK in over 40 years. Its return to the track brought the EGAL back to the forefront of British motorsport, where it once again thrilled crowds with its raw power and unique design.

The EGAL’s journey is a testament to the boldness and ingenuity of its creators. By combining British elegance with American muscle, Rob Beck and Geoff Richardson created a one-of-a-kind racing machine that pushed the boundaries of automotive design. Today, the EGAL continues to inspire car enthusiasts and racers, reminding them of an era when anything seemed possible in the world of high-performance automobiles. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICANDSPORTSCAR | FISKENS ]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone