Description
JAGUAR TYPE E SERIES 3 V12 FHC 2+2 — 1972 MATCHING NUMBERS • LHD, Left-Hand Drive ORIGINAL • V12 5. 3 L • DOCUMENTED MECHANICAL RESTORATION • FRENCH REGISTRATION DOCUMENT THE ULTIMATE TYPE E. THE V12. THE RIGHT SPECIFICATION. There are classic motorcars that one appreciates for their history. And then there are those whose silhouette alone is enough to turn heads, several decades after their debut. The Jaguar Type E unquestionably belongs to this second category. Presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961, it immediately made its mark on the history of automotive design. Drawn by Malcolm Sayer, under the direction of William Lyons, it inherited the aerodynamic legacy of the Type D whilst adopting a particularly advanced design for its era. The famous quote attributed to Enzo Ferrari — 'the most beautiful car in the world' — greatly contributed to forging its legend. Beyond this quotation, whose exact wording varies depending on the source, one thing is beyond doubt: the Type E became one of the most recognisable and most desirable motorcars of the twentieth century. The example we are offering is a 1972 Type E Series 3 FHC 2+2, equipped with the legendary Jaguar V12 5. 3-litre engine. And this final generation possesses a very particular character. THE SERIES 3 V12: THE PINNACLE In 1971, Jaguar substantially evolved the Type E with the introduction of its new V12. The Series 3 thus became the ultimate evolution of the Type E and received an engine befitting its status: a 5. 3-litre V12 developing 272 bhp, paired here with a Borg Warner automatic gearbox. This engine constitutes one of the great strengths of this generation. Its smoothness is remarkable, its operation particularly refined and its acceleration impressive thanks to approximately 46 kgm of torque. The Type E V12 thus offers a very different experience from the earlier generations: more mature, more comfortable and easier to drive, whilst retaining performance that remains particularly respectable. The claimed top speed reaches 241 km/ h, whilst the 0 to 100 km/ h is given as approximately 6. 4 seconds. The Series 3 also benefits from specific evolutions designed to accompany the V12: widened track, lengthened wheelbase, reinforced cooling system and its famous large mesh grille, immediately identifiable. The result is a more refined Type E, more civilised and particularly pleasant to use. AN EXAMPLE THAT HAS BENEFITED FROM SIGNIFICANT MECHANICAL WORK The appeal of this motorcar does not lie solely in its aesthetics. In 2020 and 2021, it underwent substantial mechanical overhaul, carried out by a recognised professional. Over €12, 000 in invoices accompany this work. The interventions notably concerned: • the engine; • the gearbox; • the rear axle; • the ignition system; • the four carburettors. For a collector of classic Jaguars, this recent history constitutes a genuine asset. This is not simply an old motorcar that has been preserved: it is a car that has been the subject of significant mechanical investment in order to be used in good condition. AN ELEGANT AND AUTHENTIC PRESENTATION The bodywork displays a superb metallic Silver Grey finish. The paintwork, carried out some ten years ago, is today in excellent condition. The interior retains all the atmosphere that makes the charm of the great Jaguars of this era. The Connolly leather, emblematic of the marque, is in very fine condition and displays a beautiful patina. This patina deserves to be highlighted: it contributes to the authenticity and character of the motorcar and avoids the sometimes overly new appearance of a recent complete restoration. All of the instrumentation functions perfectly. IMPORTANT ELEMENTS FOR THE COLLECTOR This Type E presents several particularly sought-after characteristics: Matching Numbers. Original left-hand drive. 5. 3-litre V12. FHC 2+2 bodywork. French registration document. Significant documented mechanical overhaul. Over €12, 000 in invoices. These elements, more than mere presentation effects, give this example its true interest. The buyer therefore does not simply discover a fine Type E in a showroom: he acquires a motorcar whose mechanics have been the subject of substantial and documented work. A TYPE E FOR COLLECTING… BUT ABOVE ALL FOR DRIVING The Series 3 V12 is probably the Type E most easily integrated into a collection intended to be used. Its V12 provides a considerable reserve of power and a smoothness of operation that allows one to contemplate both a Sunday outing and a genuine motoring journey. The Borg Warner automatic gearbox naturally accompanies this philosophy. At its wheel, the Type E obviously retains this presence...
