The Series 3 E-Types were formidable beasts indeed, with their deep-lunged V12 engines and forthright continent-crushing styling. And in the oeuvre of desirable V12 E-Types, this particular example stands head and shoulders above the rest, for a number of key reasons: it’s finished in a supremely pretty colour which looks sumptuous in the sunlight; it’s fitted with a period air-conditioning unit which has just been re-gassed and works well; best of all, it was previously owned by the boss of a revered classic car company – and as you can imagine, such people take particular care of their automobiles. And the history file bears this out – this Jaguar has been treated with the utmost care by people who really know what they’re doing.

Supplied new to the South African market in 1972, this E-Type was originally sold by Leykor Motors and remained in the hot and dry climate until it was eventually repatriated in 2018. A trip to The Jaguar Workshop saw around £6k of work carried out before the last keeper took ownership in 2019, whereupon he had the speedo converted to miles (and the mileage adjusted accordingly).

 A comprehensive overhaul was then undertaken, as you’ll see outlined later in the ‘mechanicals’ section, with absolutely everything gone through and either rebuilt, renewed or upgraded to create a reliable and usable classic that can be just as dependable as a modern car. Along with the period air-conditioning (which is fully functional and has just been re-gassed) it has a new heated windscreen and modern audio to ensure that this revered and desirable classic remains pleasantly usable on today’s roads. If you’ve been hankering after a Series 3, this is a wonderful example of the breed that’s more desirable and practical than most.

The interior of an E-Type is an evocative place to be, cocooning you in simple elegance and ready to power across continents. The cabin of this Series 3 is in very good condition indeed; the tidy leather seats are as supportive as they should be and tilt forward correctly to allow access to the rear bench. New black carpets have recently been fitted. The dash-top is free from cracks, and the dash is tidy – the gauges and switchgear are all present and correct and appear to be fully functional.

 A modern head unit is the only 21st-century addition, and the most desirable element is the period air-conditioning unit mounted under the dash on the passenger side – this is fully functional and has recently been re-gassed so it blows nice and cold.

The doorcards and headlining are clean and complete, and inside the boot it’s all lovely and tidy with a neat floor, full tool roll, matching spare wheel and jack.

The Regency Red paint suits the E-Type’s voluptuous lines so beautifully – you can see in the photos how pleasingly the rich and lustrous shade catches the light. The chrome trim also gleams, and all of the correct trim and badges are in place. The light lenses are in good condition, and panel fit is even throughout. The wheels are magnificently shiny and wear matching Dunlop tyres with plenty of tread.

A modern CCR heated windscreen has been fitted. And of course, the signature quad exhaust outlet is present to ensure that everyone knows you’ve got loads of cylinders to play with. This really is a very well presented and extremely tidy E-Type.

A lot of work has gone into the mechanical aspects of this car, ensuring that it’s a pleasing and stress-free car to drive today. It fires up on the first turn of the key, idles evenly, pulls eagerly through the revs and – crucially – doesn’t appear to have any issues with overheating, the needle on the temp gauge staying where it should.

During the comprehensive recent overhaul, the engine was removed and inspected, with assorted replacement and upgraded parts fitted to the car including a new clutch plate and cover, RBR lightweight flywheel with new ring gear, high-torque starter motor, and an Opus ignition system – plus all new hoses and belts, fuel pump and lines, and non-return valves. The brakes were overhauled, with new discs all round, new rear calipers and uprated pads. The suspension was treated to new rear springs and seal kits for the arms, and the gearbox was rebuilt as an overdrive unit with uprated springs and valving – plus a CPC quick-shift gear lever with overdrive switch.

The power steering rack and pump were rebuilt by specialists Kiley-Clinton, with all new pipes and seals, and the oil filter was reworked to take a modern-type screw-on canister. Everything is as you’d hope it would be, and it’s a splendid machine to drive.

Driving a V12 E-Type is a thoroughly 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 sylph-like Jag is the way it looks – slinky and curvaceous, it’s arguably at its very best in a deep shade of red. And when you find an example that’s beautifully finished and champing at the bit to be enjoyed, how can you possibly resist? The body looks glorious, the interior is an extremely joyful place to be, the mechanicals are all in fine fettle – if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a V12 E-Type, this could well be the car with which those dreams come true.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*