This car, for a great many Jaguar enthusiasts, represents the zenith of the E-Type’s evolution. Produced from 1971-74, the final iteration of the E-Type – the Series III – came equipped with the mighty 5.3-litre V12 engine, an imposing egg-crate grille on the nose, and significant improvements to the suspension and braking over previous models. Contemporary advertising straplines read ‘Maybe we should have called it the F-Type’, such was the scale of evolution; refining the road-racer into a sumptuous cruiser, this deep-lunged and hearty machine was the E-Type’s last hurrah before it was replaced by the controversial XJ-S. 

The example we have here is particularly desirable, presented in a delectable shade of Mistral Blue and in delightful condition inside and out. This car was treated to a comprehensive restoration in 2001, to such a high quality that it was a concours winner in 2004. The Jaguar has been maintained in a no-expense-spared fashion, as the history file proves; indeed, just recently it was treated to a new set of Turrino wire wheels of the type found on Eagle restomods, which themselves cost well over £6,000. 

Beautifully presented, fabulous to drive, this is a truly enjoyable and usable E-Type with a show-stopping finish. 

 

Treat yourself to a virtual stroll through the photographs, and you’ll surely be impressed by the condition of this E-Type. The paintwork is tasteful and elegant, the chrome all gleams very pleasingly, and the car is fitted with a special set of wheels: these Turrino wires are the same high-quality items as fitted to Eagle E-Types restorations - there’s an invoice from 2022 for £6,696. They’re wider than the stock wheels, allowing for the fitment of broader modern rubber with less of a sloping shoulder, and the 225/55 Michelins have a transformative effect on grip and handling. 

All of the correct trim and badges are in place, the light lenses are all in good condition, and so is the window glass. The only notable blemish to highlight is a very minor ding on the leading edge of the nose above the grille, which would most likely be easily remedied via paintless dent removal. It’s a very well presented and extremely pretty E-Type indeed. 
This prettiness continues to the interior, where we find the dark blue seat trim to be in good order, the fronts titling correctly to allow access to the rear. The carpets and headlining are complete, and the dash is neat with no cracks or sun damage to the top. 

Inside the boot it’s dry and clean, and underneath the boot floor we find a spare (non-Turrino) wire wheel, jack and mallet. 

 

It’s very easy to have a good time in a V12 Jag. They just love to waft, and when that venerable engine is wrapped up in the sylph-like E-Type coupe silhouette, it’s a surefire recipe for good times. Indeed, this Series III is very happy to oblige; started from cold, it fires up without issue and settles into a steady idle, the gauges swiftly registering the correct pressures and temperatures. 

The engine pulls strongly and feels like it’s nicely in balance without any histrionics from the carbs, and the manual transmission shifts smoothly. The brakes are reassuringly strong and pull the car up in a straight line, while the suspension feels supple and allows the Jag to cruise with its trademark smoothness – no undue noises, no squeaks or rattles, just pleasant GT motoring.  

 

The act of piloting a V12 E-Type is an evocative and multi-sensory endeavour. The pleasantly trimmed cabin is so cocooning, and that 5.3-litre engine just has so much heart. And of course the principal lure of the pretty Jaguar is the way it looks, slinky and curvaceous and always ready to break hearts. This low-mileage example really makes a strong case for itself too: a former concours winner after a thorough and comprehensive restoration, today it’s a beautifully presented and thoroughly usable Series III E-Type.

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