1972 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster [Series III]

Highlights

Matching-numbers example
UK right-hand-drive car
Heritage certificate
Low mileage showing of just 34,000 miles, believed correct
Recent mechanical recommissioning – receipts for c.£10k

The Appeal

Jaguar’s venerable E-Type has justly earned its position in the pantheon of all-time greats in performance car legend, with its iconic slinky curvaceousness and sublime proportions. In Series III guise this astoundingly pretty form was backed up by a radically revised mechanical package, with uprated suspension and braking and, crucially, the addition of the big-hearted 5.3-litre V12 engine.

And if the open-top Series III is the flavour of E-Type that you’ve been hankering after, then this would be the appropriate moment to call off the search, as you’re arguably unlikely to find a more impressive example than this one. It ticks a large number of desirable boxes: this is a correct right-hand-drive UK-spec car, and there’s a Heritage certificate to confirm that it’s a true matching-numbers example in its original factory colour scheme.

The desirable specification comprises the earlier quad-exit exhaust system, seat headrests and automatic transmission, and most impressively of all, it has just 34,000 miles showing on the clock (which isn’t verified, but is believed genuine). It’s also recently been treated to a thorough and comprehensive mechanical recommissioning, with receipts for c.£10,000. Bid keenly and bid well, as we’re anticipating a lot of interest in this fabulous example.

The History and Paperwork

V5
Heritage certificate (issued 2024)
2023 – invoice for £1,716 – check-over, coil amplifier, etc
2022 – invoice for £1,641 – alternator overhaul, speedo drive unit, etc
2021 – invoice for £1,645 – ignition barrel, locks etc
2020 – invoice for £4,995 – radiator, carb service, seat tilt mechanism, fuel pump, batteries, pipes, bushes, steering wheel, etc

The Condition

Original factory colour scheme
Lovely condition inside and out

The combination of Regency Red coachwork and Magnolia leather makes for a truly beguiling combination, and this British classic presents extremely well indeed, both inside and out. The Heritage certificate confirms that this was the car’s original colour combination.

Externally, we find the car to be very impressive indeed, with a gorgeous lustre to the paint, and all of the correct chromework present and gleaming. The wheels are equally neat and the tyres have plenty of tread. The light lenses and window glass are in good order, and the soft-top is a quality item in good condition, which is simple to raise, affix and lower.

Inside the cabin, things are equally impressive. The leather trim is in lovely condition throughout with very few marks save for a couple of scuffs on the sides of the seat-backs, and the seats are pleasantly supportive. The car has a tasteful wood-rim steering wheel, the carpets are complete, the dash is tidy with no evident sun damage, and it’s all in period-correct specification save for the addition of a modern CD/radio head unit.
Inside the boot it’s all dry and tidy, with the correct spare wheel under the floor.

The Mechanics

Recent mechanical overhaul
Impressive V12 performance

The impressively tidy engine bay acts as a good marker of the quality within. The running gear of the Series III is its party piece; the V12 is a sonorous and muscular thing, and here we find it running beautifully; it fires easily on the first turn of the key, idles evenly, pulls strongly through the revs, and the gearbox is smooth and slick.

It’s a pleasure to drive, and the automatic transmission perfectly complements the grand-tourer experience. We can see from the history file that a large amount of money has been spent in recent years on finessing the mechanicals, and this is evident in the drive.

The suspension and brakes feel as robust and effective as they ought, and the package overall is supremely pleasing – the E-Type fulfils its sports/tourer credentials with verve.

Summary

The strength of this impressive example speaks for itself. A matching-numbers car in its original colour scheme, with certification to prove; a pukka UK right-hand-drive car; amazingly low mileage… and then, of course, there’s the peace of mind brought on by the fact that it’s recently had around £10,000 spent on refreshing the mechanicals. The most desirable Series III roadster on the market right now? We think it just might be…

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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Vehicle specification

Year 1972
Make Jaguar
Model E-Type Convertible
Colour Red
Odometer 34,804 Miles
Engine size 5343

Auction Details

Seller Type Trade
Town Wandsworth
Location London
Country United Kingdom

Bidding history

14 bids from 11 bidders

19_affi•••• £59,000 29/04/24
zondaaf•••• £58,000 29/04/24
roberts•••• £56,000 29/04/24
lx_fan1•••• £53,000 27/04/24
Paul Ca•••• £50,000 24/04/24
Eddie J £33,000 23/04/24
Classic•••• £16,888 23/04/24
carljon•••• £15,000 22/04/24
Clive M•••• £12,400 22/04/24
Classic•••• £11,550 22/04/24
gordie7•••• £10,000 22/04/24
Classic•••• £7,250 22/04/24
Paulw87•••• £6,000 22/04/24
Classic•••• £5,500 22/04/24

Message C&C Auction Team

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