Highlights
- V12 engine with a manual gearbox
- Signal Red from the factory
- Previously subject to a comprehensive restoration
The Appeal
Throughout its production run, the E-Type was firmly aimed at conquering the American market and as big V8s became fashionable in the late ‘60s, the comparatively small straight-six Jaguar XKE engine was considered to be somewhat old fashioned.
Jaguar’s answer to this was to adapt their racing V12 for road use and the Series III E-Type was launched in 1971. Now more of a grand tourer than a sports car, the Series III rode a wave of creamy 12-cylinder torque and satisfied the American hunger for engine displacement.
This UK sold example benefits from a manual gearbox and, according to the vendor, has been subject to copious restoration work carried out over a number of years by various marque specialists. Due to the loss of indoor storage space, it is now reluctantly offered for sale. The opportunity to acquire a right-hand drive, UK supplied V12 E-Type is not something that arises that often, making this a car that is not to be missed.
The History and Paperwork
- Numerous invoices detailing past restoration work and servicing
- MOT until February 2023
- Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate confirms matching numbers
- Signal red from factory
- 3 recorded owners from new
- Purchased by the vendor from a work colleague in August of 2021
- Recent cylinder head rebuild
- Apparently garage stored since 1974, until acquired by the vendor last year
The Interior
- Reupholstered
- 2+2 coupé
- Webasto sunroof
As a 2+2 coupé, this E-Type has a raised roof line to accommodate rear passengers, a versatile layout that arguably suits the Series III’s character as a GT rather than a sports car.
The vendor informs us that the interior has been reupholstered and the seats appear in very good condition, with little in the way of wear or damage to report. There is of course some slight creating from use, but we think seats such as these look good with a little age to them.
The headlining is starting to sag in places although looks to be clean and free from damage so we suspect it could be mended. The carpets would benefit from a thorough clean but seem to be in good order, only coming away in a few places which we would expect from a car that is used regularly.
The dashboard appears free from cracks and sun bleaching and is in good overall condition. A couple of gauges look to be perhaps a little fogged up although a good clean may well rectify this. The steering wheel is unlikely to have been retrimmed lately as it bears a fair few nicks and scratches. The same goes for the gear knob which appears to be an original item, wearing a light smattering of patination.
There is also a Webasto sliding sunroof which the vendor informs us operates smoothly.
The Exterior
- Signal Red from new
- Wire wheels would benefit from refurbishment / replacement
- Smart underneath
On the outside this E-Type presents very well and the Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate indicates that this E-Type wore the same hue of Signal Red when it left the factory in 1971.
The paint appears to be in very good order, with no notable blemishes we could discern. We understand that the bodywork has been subject to a full restoration at some point in the past and a glance underneath would support this, with numerous components appearing to have been repainted fairly recently.
There is a little corrosion along seams and leading edges around the car’s lower quarters, although this all appears to be relatively superficial. The vendor points out a couple of scrapes to the subframes underneath but nothing that would unduly concern us.
The brightwork has a little pitting and corrosion in places but is generally very good and quite serviceable. The wire wheels really suit the car but are quite corroded in places. A good polish would certainly improve their appearance, although to bring this car up to a high standard we would recommend that they are either refurbished or replaced. The tyres are apparently in fine condition with plenty of tread.
The Mechanics
- Matching numbers
- 5,343cc V12 engine
- Manual gearbox
Under the clamshell bonnet, that mighty V12 looks to be in very good order and the vendor informs us that the cylinder heads were recently rebuilt. As a result, it starts and runs as Jaguar intended, with ample performance available on demand from that exceedingly torquey powerplant.
The vendor comments that this E-Type drives impeccably, with taught handling, smooth gear changes and strong braking performance.
Summary
Previously restored and accompanied by a sizeable history file, this Series III E-Type is a lovely example that has clearly been used and enjoyed by its previous owners.
As a UK car with a manual gearbox, this is a particularly sought after example and certainly one to consider if you’re looking for a capable grand tourer to add to your garage.
