Jaguar’s venerable E-Type has justly earned its position in the pantheon of all-time greats in performance car legend, with its iconic slinky curvaceousness and sublime proportions. In Series III guise this astoundingly pretty form was backed up by a radically revised mechanical package, with uprated suspension and braking and, crucially, the addition of the big-hearted 5.3-litre V12 engine. 

And if the open-top Series III is the flavour of E-Type that you’ve been hankering after, then this would be the appropriate moment to call off the search, as you’re arguably unlikely to find a more impressive example than this one. It ticks a large number of desirable boxes: this is a correct right-hand-drive UK-spec car, and there’s a Heritage certificate to confirm that it’s a true matching-numbers example in its original factory colour scheme.

The desirable specification comprises the earlier quad-exit exhaust system, seat headrests and automatic transmission, and most impressively of all, it has just 34,000 miles showing on the clock (which isn’t verified, but is believed genuine). It’s also recently been treated to a thorough and comprehensive mechanical recommissioning, with receipts for c.£10,000. Bid keenly and bid well, as we’re anticipating a lot of interest in this fabulous example. 

 

 
 

The combination of Regency Red coachwork and Magnolia leather makes for a truly beguiling combination, and this British classic presents extremely well indeed, both inside and out. The Heritage certificate confirms that this was the car’s original colour combination.

Externally, we find the car to be very impressive indeed, with a gorgeous lustre to the paint, and all of the correct chromework present and gleaming. The wheels are equally neat and the tyres have plenty of tread. The light lenses and window glass are in good order, and the soft-top is a quality item in good condition, which is simple to raise, affix and lower.

Inside the cabin, things are equally impressive. The leather trim is in lovely condition throughout with very few marks save for a couple of scuffs on the sides of the seat-backs, and the seats are pleasantly supportive. The car has a tasteful wood-rim steering wheel, the carpets are complete, the dash is tidy with no evident sun damage, and it’s all in period-correct specification save for the addition of a modern CD/radio head unit.
Inside the boot it’s all dry and tidy, with the correct spare wheel under the floor.

The impressively tidy engine bay acts as a good marker of the quality within. The running gear of the Series III is its party piece; the V12 is a sonorous and muscular thing, and here we find it running beautifully; it fires easily on the first turn of the key, idles evenly, pulls strongly through the revs, and the gearbox is smooth and slick. 

It’s a pleasure to drive, and the automatic transmission perfectly complements the grand-tourer experience. We can see from the history file that a large amount of money has been spent in recent years on finessing the mechanicals, and this is evident in the drive. 

The suspension and brakes feel as robust and effective as they ought, and the package overall is supremely pleasing – the E-Type fulfils its sports/tourer credentials with verve. 

 

The strength of this impressive example speaks for itself. A matching-numbers car in its original colour scheme, with certification to prove; a pukka UK right-hand-drive car; amazingly low mileage… and then, of course, there’s the peace of mind brought on by the fact that it’s recently had around £10,000 spent on refreshing the mechanicals. The most desirable Series III roadster on the market right now? We think it just might be…

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: 

✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions. 

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 

✓ 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. 

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 

✓ We also  check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and  it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com