Highlights
- £30,000 bodywork restoration and barely used since
- Rare factory hard top in matching colour included
- Superb condition car in British Racing Green
- Remarkable history file dating back to 1974
- MOT to July 2024 with no advisories
- Original UK RHD example
The Appeal
Jaguar’s Series 3 makeover of the E-Type created the GT that the car always wanted to be. Key to that was the firm’s brand new V12 engine.
That silky smooth motor imbued the car with effortless urge, but these later cars also appeal because they use the longer 2+2 chassis. That means bigger doors for easier access and a more spacious cabin.
This car’s automatic gearbox leans into the Series 3’s relaxing GT vibe. It is classically finished in British Racing Green, the paintwork subject to a bare metal respray in 2018 as part of a £30,000 restoration. This beautiful car has covered barely more than 300 miles since and is in superb condition.
If the specification and condition have tempted your interest then the remarkable history file will surely appeal. It dates back to 1974 and covers just five owners, one of whom kept the car from 1981 until the vendor acquired it in 2015.
Despite an annual MOT no longer being required, it has still be regular tested. This indicates a careful owner and adds reassurance of independent inspection for the buyer. The current MOT runs to July 2024 with no advisories.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 6th April 1972
- Five registered keepers
- Current keeper since 1st December 2015
- Previous keeper 1981 to 2015
- VIN records confirm this is car 237 of 1,872 RHD OTS Series 3 cars
- Vast history file some of which is shown in photographs
- Includes all MOTs back to 1982
- Also features an advert from 1980 when the car was advertised for sale
- Previous sales invoice dated 1981 in history file
- Service history dating back to 1974
- MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt as registered as a Historic Vehicle
- Usefully MOT’d regularly since 2006 which confirms low mileage
- £30,000 restoration in 2016 by Myles Classic Cars documented in photographs
- The scope of this work is sumamarised below
- Photographic record of restoration work
- Alwasys stored in a heated garage by vendor
2016 and more recent restoration includes:
- Bare metal respray
- Brand new stainless steel exhaust
- Aluminium double core electric fan radiator
- Pointless ignition
- All new polly bushes
- All new gas shocks
- Upgraded front brakes
- New silicone radiator hoses
- New galvanised petrol tank (2023)
- Carburettors re built and serviced (2021)
The Condition
- High quality British Racing Green paintwork with no visible marks
- Bare metal bodywork restoration and respray in 2016 with 300 miles covered since
- Matching and rare factory hard top
- Black vinyl factory soft top in good condition showing good fit
- Matching black tonneau included
- Beige leather interior in excellent order with no visible wear to oft-used surfaces
- Unmarked chrome wire wheels with quality tyres in good order
- Matching spare wire wheel with chrome finish
- Original 8 track stereo fitted with choice of 8 track cassettes included
- Small marks visible on inside edge of soft top headlining
- Three spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel
The quality of this car’s 2016 restoration shines out from the photographs. Smartly finished in British Racing Green, a finish that suits the Series 3 lines, it shows good panel fit across the doors and other panels. The paintwork is complemented by unmarked chrome wire wheels, black factory vinyl soft top and very rare matching bodycolour hard top.
Inside the very good condition continues across the beige leather interior which reflects the car’s warranted low mileage. It is very well kept with barely any signs of wear. The sense of quality and originality extends to a wood-rimmed three-spoke E-Type wheel and period eight track stereo which comes complete with a selection of cassettes.
The Mechanics
- 5,343cc V12 Jaguar engine
- Engine rebuilt at 43,000 miles in 1996
- 4 Strong Burgs carburettors
- 3spd automatic gearbox factory fitted
- Huge history file dating back to 1974
- This includes service records from that time
- New fuel tank in 2023 and carburettor kit in 2021
Dropping the V12 into the E-Type may have robbed future generations of an E-Type successor, but it was an inspired and welcome move. The ultra smooth unit is one of the greatest engines of the last 50 years and perfectly suits the GT ethos of the Series 3.
This car’s low displayed mileage is confirmed by extensive service and MOT records. The engine was rebuilt in 1996 at 46,000 miles and has benefitted more recently from a carburettor rebuild. A new fuel tank was fitted in 2023.
The car is said to run and drive superbly, offering the buyer a great example of one of motoring’s best drop top sports cars.
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.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
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