1971 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster - Ex Coombs Demo For Sale

We have something very special on our hands, a car of significant provenance and history that ensures it is a true collectors piece. There are so many exciting key points that makes this so vastly superior to most other E-Type V12’s on the market and we are truly delighted to have brought this special car from West Sussex to North Yorkshire to find its next owner. This very early Series III V12 Roadster, chassis number 59 of the open two seater UK RHD model is somewhat unrepeatable in that it was registered new with the Coombs of Guildford owned number plate BUY 1, one of the world’s most famous registration numbers. John Coombs used BUY 1 on many of his race Jaguars during the 1960’s and when Jaguar supplied this E-Type to Coombs of Guildford, it was to be their very own demonstrator car and John Coombs assigned BUY 1, his personal plate for publicity purposes. If a genuine Coombs demonstrator new, with the registration mark BUY 1 was not special enough, this matching numbers car has only covered 38500 miles from new and whilst it has had cosmetic refurbishment, it is an incredibly original car having never required full dismantling or restoration.

This first class Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster was manufactured on the 12th September 1971 finished as today in Pale Primrose with Black interior, Black soft top and manual transmission. Dispatched to Coombs Garage on the 4th October and registered BUY 1 which was removed once its demonstrator services were completed, Coombs of Guildford then supplied the E-Type to its second owners, Bowyer and Partners. Having covered low mileage during the 1970's, the E-Type was in storage for most of the 1980's, and again in the late 1990's until 2018 when purchased by its last owner in West Sussex with just 38200 miles covered. A program of re-commissioning work was carried and this included a new clutch, due to lack of use the gearbox was stripped down and rebuilt with new bearings, the differential pinion oil seal replaced, the radiator was re-conditioned with an upgrade core, the brake servo re-conditioned, master cylinder replaced and flexible hoses replaced. Bottom ball joints were replaced, top ball joints re-shimmed and the car fully serviced. Although since purchase in 2018 the car has covered just a few hundred miles in fine weather only, it has been regularly serviced and also treated to a new stainless steel exhaust system, various heater hoses and new ignition system.

At 38319 miles in 2019 and cosmetically original condition, the last owner took the V12 off the road to carry out a cosmetic and detailing refurbishment program due to the aged, faded but original paintwork. The vehicle was then stripped of all its interior back to the bare floors that showed zero corrosion, and the exterior removed of all chrome, trims, seals, original vinyl hood and all glass. The bonnet, doors and boot lid were then removed, and the underside of the bonnet stripped back removing all factory stoneguard protection to the wheel arches. The stoneguard protection to the underside of the boot floor was removed, and with only very light surface corrosion found on the bodyshell that was dealt with, the bodyshell and panels were then prepared for a top class re-paint in the original Pale Primrose. The bonnet, doors and boot were then re-fitted with new hinges, rubber trims, seals, nuts, bolts and washers and the car built up with freshly re-chromed bumpers, grille and handles etc. Newly re-painted and stoneguarded splash panels with new body fittings were re-fitted and period number plates fitted, along with the excellent and original vinyl hood. Extensive engine bay detailing included newly re-painted/ refurbished ancillary fittings such as heater box, air filter housings, and new nuts, bolts, washers, jubilee clips were replaced together with new hoses and wiring where necessary. The program of work was completed by 2021, placing the car into a show standard condition. Photos are also on file confirming the exceptional original condition during the strip down stage.

Due to the age of the leather, whilst the interior was removed the seats were stripped down and treated to new foams and re-covered in the correct Black leather trim. The interior was then re-fitted to the car and today the E-Type still retains the correct original type 1970's carpets and vinyl hood. New chrome wire wheels and new tyres were fitted to the car and having only covered a few miles since completion, the car is an absolute show stopper in outstanding condition throughout. The bodywork, paintwork, chrome and trim are exceptional, the engine bay, like the rest of the car is worthy of show winning, and on the road the V12 is fabulous with a fit, strong, healthy low mileage V12 engine that offers blistering performance with excellent, correct oil pressure. With a rebuilt gearbox, recently replaced ball joints and complete brake overhaul, the E-Type is fantastic on the road offering a wonderful driving experience. This is a car for the discerning buyer, it's an incredibly special Jaguar E-Type that offers somewhat of an unrepeatable opportunity.