THE 50th anniversary of the Jaguar E-Type is marked with a strong entry for the legendary sportscar in the masters festival this Bank Holiday weekend at Brands Hatch.

The event has firmly established itself as a major fixture on the historic racing calendar and will be taking place on the full Grand Prix circuit on the Sunday and Monday.

Included in the E-Type entries for the gentlemen drivers race are former British Touring Car driver John Clark, GT champion Nathan Kinch and historic racing stalwarts Martin Stretton and Gary Pearson, who will be racing one car with his brother John, plus another in the same event.

Also present will be fellow historic racer Chris Scragg.

With the enduring popularity of the E-Type, described by Enzo Ferrari as the “world’s most beautiful car” undiminished, the grid for the two-hour endurance race will feature newly-prepared cars as well as long-established racers.

They will need to make a pitstops in the race, which includes driver changes, recalling the classic GT encounters from the car’s heyday.

Also present amongst the E-Types are classic Cobras, Bizzarinis, Austin Healeys, TVRs and Lotuses, including a 1964 Elan once raced by Grand Prix driver and team owner Jackie Oliver.

As well as being one of the most expensive and mouth-watering grids assembled, it is also expected to be highly competitive.

The masters festival also features a varied schedule of races featuring some of the most evocative cars from the post-war era, which includes Formula One, Sportscars and Touring cars, as well as an inters-series revival race.

Tickets for the masters historic festival at Brands Hatch between May 28 and May 30 are now on sale from £17 for adults, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.

For more information, call 0843 453 9000 or visit brandshatch.co.uk