Highlights
- One owner from new since 1971
- Warranted 33,000 miles from new
- Rare Lavender Blue original paintwork
- UK-supplied, right-hand drive example with manual gearbox
- Comprehensive history file including original warranty card and handbook
The Appeal
To introduce the E-Type is a bit like introducing Elvis Presley. This is one of the world's ultimate motoring icons - a slicked roadster that felt cutting-edge when new and feels gloriously evocative now. Enzo Ferrari himself is said to have famously called it 'the most beautiful car ever made', and to this day, that still holds true.
The E-Type went through a lot of evolution over its time, and when US emissions regulations hit, it became necessary to rethink the strategy for the powerplant. The beating heart of the E-Type was the already rather venerable XK straight-six, and it was having ever-increasing trouble keeping up with the American muscle cars and Italian sports cars. The V12 was the answer to all that - and also provided one of the smoothest, most laid-back tourers on the market. It was as buttery as a limo and twice as agile, and managed to keep its prestigious place at the top of the food chain.
Now, every E-Type is undeniably a very special car. But this is in another league: a one-owner, UK-supplied Series III Roadster with the desirable manual gearbox. That'll open any enthusiast's eyes enough - but the kicker? This remarkable Lavender Blue E-Type has covered just 33,000 warranted miles since new. And you'll have a hard job finding that livery, too...
Put simply, this is a very exclusive opportunity - and we expect it'll attract plenty of attention at auction.
The E-Type went through a lot of evolution over its time, and when US emissions regulations hit, it became necessary to rethink the strategy for the powerplant. The beating heart of the E-Type was the already rather venerable XK straight-six, and it was having ever-increasing trouble keeping up with the American muscle cars and Italian sports cars. The V12 was the answer to all that - and also provided one of the smoothest, most laid-back tourers on the market. It was as buttery as a limo and twice as agile, and managed to keep its prestigious place at the top of the food chain.
Now, every E-Type is undeniably a very special car. But this is in another league: a one-owner, UK-supplied Series III Roadster with the desirable manual gearbox. That'll open any enthusiast's eyes enough - but the kicker? This remarkable Lavender Blue E-Type has covered just 33,000 warranted miles since new. And you'll have a hard job finding that livery, too...
Put simply, this is a very exclusive opportunity - and we expect it'll attract plenty of attention at auction.
History and Paperwork
- First registered in 1971 and delivered new to the current owner's company as his company car
- The current owner purchased the car from his company in the late 1970s and has owned it ever since
- Recently serviced by Epping Jaguar, including a new fuel pump
- Comprehensive history file containing the original warranty card, handbook, and MOTs corroborating the indicated mileage
- Invoices for maintenance work are included in the history file
- The car has been stored under cover at the owner's Bournemouth weekend home in recent years
- The odometer shows 32,570 miles, which is warranted by the history and documentation
The Condition
- Finished in rare original Lavender Blue paintwork with some areas of micro blistering that prospective buyers should inspect
- Door panels were repainted after mirror mounting holes were filled when the owner relocated the mirrors to the bonnet
- The tall owner (6'4") relocated the wing mirrors from the doors to the bonnet for better visibility
- The car has been lightly used in recent years and stored under cover
- Some discolouration to the hood's framework, but the fabric is in fine order
The E-type is always breathtaking - but we think that this Lavender Blue example is really something rather special. The rare livery suits the car's extravagant curves to a tee, accented beautifully with the black cabin and soft top. Despite the car's venerable years - it is now half a century since it left the production line - it's beautifully presented, with only gentle micro blistering really to not in its body shell.
The brightwork contrasts nicely, the glasseswork and lenses are in fine fettle, and the wire spoke wheels are still polished and prim. The underside is in very solid condition too. Put simply? It's a great looker. The wing mirrors have been adjusted to suit the owner's height, but apart from that, it's all startlingly factory standard.
The brightwork contrasts nicely, the glasseswork and lenses are in fine fettle, and the wire spoke wheels are still polished and prim. The underside is in very solid condition too. Put simply? It's a great looker. The wing mirrors have been adjusted to suit the owner's height, but apart from that, it's all startlingly factory standard.
- Original dark blue interior appears in smart condition for its age
- No rips or tears to note in the upholstery - only gentle creasing
- Original hood and carpets remain in place
- Dashboard is in fine shape, with clear legible instruments
With its array of tactile switches, there's a futurism to the E-Type's interior, too. The black cabin is in very good order with only gentle creasing to note to the upholstery, and much of the dash being as you'd expect. The Kenwood tape player isn't disrupting the lines, and all of the instruments appear legible.
The carpets and hood - which we're told are original - are in good order. Some gentle wear is visible to the hood's frame, and a little discolouration here and there - but none of it detracts from the car.
The carpets and hood - which we're told are original - are in good order. Some gentle wear is visible to the hood's frame, and a little discolouration here and there - but none of it detracts from the car.
The Mechanics
- 5.3-litre V12 engine
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Recently serviced by Epping Jaguar specialists
- New fuel pump fitted during recent service
Popping open the bonnet reveals the legendary Jaguar V12. It kept the car at the top of its game, and did so with real grace. The V12 E-type is a powerful piece of kit, but above all else, it's a smooth one. This is a car that's perfect for leisurely long-distance cruising, and this particular car is in smashing order - mechanically standard, well preserved and, we're told, still running beautifully.
Recently serviced by Epping Jaguar, the car's also carrying a new fuel pump. There's particular note in its manual transmission - something rarely spotted, as so many of the well-to-do of its day favoured the care-free automatic transmission. This truly is a car that ticks every box. Not one to miss!
Recently serviced by Epping Jaguar, the car's also carrying a new fuel pump. There's particular note in its manual transmission - something rarely spotted, as so many of the well-to-do of its day favoured the care-free automatic transmission. This truly is a car that ticks every box. Not one to miss!
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