Tullius' Group 44 Story
The Jaguar E-Type, also known as the XKE in North America, is widely regarded as one of the most iconic cars in automotive history. When it was first introduced in 1961, it captivated the public with its stunning design, advanced engineering, and thrilling performance. However, it wasn’t just a car meant for showrooms and highways — Jaguar also had significant racing ambitions. Among the many iterations and racing versions, the semi-lightweights and low drags, one stands out for its dominance and engineering prowess: the Jaguar E-Type V12 Group 44 race car.
POWER MEETS REFINEMENT
In 1971, Jaguar introduced the Series III E-Type, which featured a newly developed 5.3-litre V12 engine. This engine was a major upgrade from the previous inline-six and added a new layer of performance to the already potent E-Type. The V12 engine, made of an aluminium block with cast iron liners, delivered 272 bhp and was known for its smoothness and torque. This engine was a perfect fit for a racing version of the car, giving Jaguar a new level of competitiveness on the track.
The Group 44 team, headed by Bob Tullius, saw the potential in the V12-powered E-Type. The Group 44 racing team was highly respected, having already achieved considerable success with various British marques. Their involvement with Jaguar would bring the E-Type to new heights on the racing circuit, especially in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) series.
Photo Credit: Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (LEFT) | Just British Online Motoring Mag (RIGHT)
BOB TULLIUS & GROUP 44 RACING
Bob Tullius, a former pilot turned race car driver, founded Group 44 in 1964. The team became known for fielding British sports cars in American racing series. Tullius, an astute team leader, was instrumental in developing some of the most competitive race cars of the time. He established a close relationship with Jaguar, and by the 1970s, Group 44 became Jaguar’s unofficial racing team in North America.
When the Jaguar E-Type V12 was released, Tullius and his team immediately saw the potential to create a dominant racing car. With their expertise and Jaguar’s support, they set out to transform the E-Type into a serious contender on the racetrack. The car would be raced in the IMSA GT Championship and the SCCA Trans-Am series, both highly competitive arenas that attracted top teams and manufacturers.
Photo Credit: laprecord.com (LEFT & RIGHT)
ENGINEERED FOR SUCCESS
Group 44’s E-Type was far from a standard road car. The team made extensive modifications to the V12 engine, chassis, and suspension to improve performance and reliability under the rigours of racing. The V12 engine was tuned to produce significantly more power than the stock version. Tullius and his engineers worked on the engine’s airflow, compression ratios, and fuel delivery to get the most out of the already impressive V12 block.
Aerodynamics were also a key focus. The standard E-Type was a beautiful machine, but the original design needed enhancements for racing at high speeds. The Group 44 team added a low-slung front air dam, which increased downforce and stability at speed. The rear of the car featured a prominent spoiler, another vital aerodynamic improvement. These changes allowed the Group 44 E-Type to handle high-speed corners with confidence and stability, which was crucial for racing success.
The suspension was overhauled to cope with the increased power and the demands of racing. The team stiffened the chassis, installed race-tuned dampers, and upgraded the brakes. The result was a car that retained the iconic looks of the E-Type but had the heart and handling of a purebred racer.
DOMINATING AMERICAN RACING
The Jaguar E-Type V12 Group 44 made its mark almost immediately. The car’s blend of brute power, nimble handling, and aerodynamic efficiency made it a force to be reckoned with on the track. In 1975, Bob Tullius drove the car to multiple victories in the SCCA B-Production class, securing the national championship for the team. Tullius’ success with the V12 E-Type gave Jaguar considerable exposure in North America, further cementing the brand’s reputation as a builder of high-performance sports cars.
What made the Group 44 car stand out was its consistency. In racing, it's one thing to have a fast car, but maintaining that speed and reliability throughout a race season is another matter entirely. The V12 proved itself reliable and durable over a variety of racing circuits, from the fast, sweeping corners of Watkins Glen to the tight, twisty bends of Road Atlanta.
The car’s success also extended beyond North America. In 1974, Tullius took the car to the 6 Hours of Watkins Glen, a round of the World Sportscar Championship, where it competed against some of the best endurance racers in the world. While it didn’t win outright, its performance in the face of international competition proved the E-Type V12 could hold its own on a global stage.
LEGACY OF THE GROUP 44 E-TYPE V12
The Jaguar E-Type V12 Group 44 represents an important chapter in the history of both Jaguar and American sports car racing. It was a car that combined British engineering with American racing expertise to produce a machine that was not only fast but also reliable and competitive across multiple series. The success of the Group 44 E-Type V12 laid the groundwork for future Jaguar racing efforts, including the development of the XJR series that would go on to dominate international endurance racing in the late 1980s.
Today, the Group 44 E-Type V12 is considered one of the most iconic racing Jaguars ever produced. It is a testament to the brilliance of Bob Tullius and his team, as well as the versatility and timeless appeal of the Jaguar E-Type platform. The car’s combination of beauty, power, and race-winning pedigree ensures its place in the pantheon of motorsport legends.
For classic car enthusiasts, collectors, and fans of Jaguar’s racing history, the Group 44 E-Type V12 is a symbol of an era when cars were raw, mechanical, and utterly exhilarating. It continues to inspire generations of automotive engineers and racers, serving as a reminder of what is possible when passion and expertise come together on the track.
Photo Credit: classicmotorsports.com by Russel Tullius (LEFT & RIGHT)
IN SUMMARY...
The Jaguar E-Type V12 Group 44 race car is not just a footnote in Jaguar's illustrious history; it is a shining example of how innovation, engineering, and determination can push the limits of what is possible. With its powerful V12 engine, aerodynamic enhancements, and race-winning pedigree, the Group 44 E-Type will forever be remembered as one of the greats in both Jaguar's racing portfolio and the broader world of motorsport.
*For full details on the imagery included in this article, please see the appropriate photo credit below the image*