Strikingly beautiful from any angle and revered as one of the most legendary sports cars ever made, it’s no wonder that the Jaguar E-Type is also one of the most collectible.
This one is one of the very last examples – a 1972 2+2 Coupé in traditional British Racing Green, and equipped with Jaguar’s wonderful 5.3-litre V12 engine. It’s also unusual in that it’s a manual, a rare find in a 2+2, and all the more appealing because of it.
The E-Type comes with lots of history and has been in the hands of collectors for more than 30 years, having been imported back to the UK from the USA in 1989 and converted to right-hand-drive. It has seen some restoration and repair work throughout its life, but is largely original and comes with a superb Cinnamon interior.
It’s a lovely example, owned by a titled owner for the past 13 years, and for the 21 years prior to that by a Jaguar collector. It has been used primarily as a show car during that period so while the mileage cannot be prove prior to its arrival from the USA, it is believed to be genuine based on the car’s condition.
It was registered ‘12 CER’ in September 1989 and the plate remains on the car, but is not included in the sale price and will be made available by separate negotiation with the vendor.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
Tax, MOT and ULEZ exempt
Substantial history file
Lots of bills and invoices, with most parts procured from a renowned Jaguar specialist
Old MOTs
Lubrication chart
Electrical wiring diagram
Original handbook
Copy of old US Certificate of Title showing the prior owner as Flair Homes – a property company owned by former US Olympic gold medallist Jesse Mashburn and subsequently owned by him privately
Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate confirming that the car was manufactured in April 1972 and despatched to the British Leyland main agent in New York City
Retains original colours of British Racing Green with Cinnamon trim
Correspondence between British titled owner former American owner included
Although exempt the vendor has had a new MOT carried out, valid until July 2024 for the buyer’s peace of mind
Previous owner described himself as a "large classic car collector' and was a Lord
Registered in vendor's name in 2023 to allow transfer of registration - only two other owners since 1989
THE INTERIOR
Smart Cinnamon leather upholstery
Seats in very good condition with minimal wear
Brand-new carpet
Wood-rimmed Mota Lita steering wheel
Inside, the E-Type is in lovely overall condition with leather seats in excellent order and finished in the original colour of Cinnamon. It comes with matching door cards and load bay and brand-new beige carpets, that really bring it up.
The door cards and headlining are in good order, as is the rear load bay and spare wheel hatch, where the original tools are concealed, along with a full-sized spare wire wheel
It has a radio-cassette player fitted and all of the dials and controls work as they ought to, while the overall condition of the cabin is generally very good, with a vast bank of switches and a delightful three-spoke wood-rimmed Mota-Lita steering wheel.
THE EXTERIOR
Repainted in the mid-2000s
Underbody in excellent condition
Knock-on wire wheels
Overall very good order with excellent chrome
The upper body was restored several years and has stood up well with no major issues. The paint is excellent other than some minor ‘spidering’ under the paint in areas and some very minor bubbles by the offside rear window – it’s not concours, but it’s a great-looking car and presents very well indeed, sitting on 60-spoke chrome wire wheels and with brand new Pirelli Cinturato tyres all-round.
All of the chrome and trim in in good order and presents well. Underneath, there are signs of previous welded repairs to the floorpans and rear suspension mounting areas but the repairs appear strong and have been wax-protected for long-term peace of mind, while the sills and subframes are in great condition.
THE MECHANICS
5.3-litre V12
Four-speed manual
Full stainless exhaust
Drives impeccably
Jaguar’s mighty V12 is an impressive engine and this one appears to be a great example, starting on the button and running smoothly, with good oil pressure.
We were able to drive it a few miles and can confirm that it performed well on test, driving straight and true, with apparently good bakes, steering and suspension and a glorious soundtrack from the V12 powerplant.
Recent work carried out on the car includes a new alternator and regulator, a new clutch slave cylinder, a new brake light pedal switch and a full service using Heritage 20w50 oil, 12 new NGK spark plugs air and fuel filters, plus a full tune-up and carb set-up by Mercury Jaguar Specialists. Over £3,000 has been spent by the vendor, whilst the previous owner spent over £6,000 in documented parts.
SUMMARY
This is a great opportunity to get your hands on a really lovely V12 E-Type with a fascinating history. It’s a solid and wonderful-looking car that is in superb order, and with some very minor fettling could easily be brought up to concours standard, while its comprehensive and fascinating history file and rare manual transmission add further to its appeal.
It’s a superb investment opportunity and a terrific example of the last of the great Jaguar E-Types.
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.*
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