A matching number Series 3 V12 Convertible E Type with a mere three owners from new
Presented in its special-order Bahama Gold livery and confirmed on build record copy
An original UK, right hand drive car having been in specialist, curated storage since 2019
Possibly unique in this colour and reported to be in a fine working condition
The Appeal
The Jaguar E-Type is surely one of those rare cars that instantly recognised by most. As such, it needs no introduction, achieving almost iconic status right from its 1961 launch. Officially the E-Type was built across three series between 1961 and 1975.
This Series 3 V12 Convertible car has enjoyed a cherished life in the ownership of a mere three keepers from new. The first owner specified the special-order Bahama Gold livery making this, possibly, unique in this colourway. The sensible original mileage and matching number provenance combine to make this a pretty special ownership proposition.
Complete with its original interior featuring a charming level of patina
The cabin is finished predominantly in black with splashes of chrome accents
Being the Open Two Seater (OTS) model the area behind the seats is given over to storage
Key to the E-Type’s charm is its switch and gauge laden interior. A refreshing, period antidote to some of the minimalist interior treatments of contemporary cars. The seats are finished in black leather with just the right level of use related creasing. The seat centres are finished in perforated leather and stitched into vertical box pleats. These fold forwards to allow easy access to the useful, black carpeted luggage shelf.
The remainder of the cabin carpets are finished in back and edge bound in leather for enhanced longevity and luxury. The door cards and rear side panels are finished in black. The front ones are horizontally dissected by chromed trim pieces. Chromed door furniture is fitted.
The dashboard is finished in black, textured vinyl. The large white on black Smiths main gauges sit ahead of the three spoke alloy and leather Jaguar steering wheel. The centre console is populated with no less than ten, individually labelled rocker switches. Above these are four smaller, ancillary Smiths gauges and a larger centrally situated clock.
The generously sized boot is finished with a light tan vinyl mat and side panels. Below this is housed the full sized, chromed wire spare wheel and tyre. A black tonneau cover for the hood also currently resides here.mrdNrTxazv4K7oHzHorQN9eIp8t2JbQACa8uTRLe.jpg725.2 KB
The Exterior
The exterior of this E Type is finished in deep and lustrous Bahama Gold
This is a special-order colour and possibly a unique original colourway
The chromed wire wheels and central spinners round off the period look
The paintwork on this E-Type is a real highlight of the car and was originally specified by the first owner. It is not clear if this its original paintwork or if the sublime quality of the finish is the product of a life of careful storage. In any event it exudes a lustrous shine from every panel with no note-worthy imperfections evident.
The car’s chrome bumpers, and other trim pieces all look to be clean, bright and shiny. The cabin glass and light lenses appear to be original and in fine fettle throughout. The black mohair hood is in excellent condition, so much so as it appears to be a later addition. Its black finish contrasts perfectly with the warm gold livery of this fine car. The signature S3 fantail exhaust finisher is present, correct and in a shiny chromed finish.
The cross spoked, chromed wire wheels are in a great condition and correctly affixed with Jaguar engraved central spinners. These fine, 15-inch wheel are shod with a matching set of Pirelli P4000 tyres in the correct 205/70 configuration.
This E-Type is fitted with the iconic 5.3L V12 Jaguar engine
The generous power and torque are fed to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission
The car is reported to run very well with no known mechanical issues reported
This car would have been one of the first to be fitted with the, now, iconic 5.3L V12 engine as it was first introduced in 1971, the year of this car. It was noted for being the first mass produced V12 engine to be used in the automotive industry. In this earlier form the engine breathed through quad, side draught Zenith Stromberg carburettors. In this form it produced around 250bhp and makes a glorious noise through its fantail exhaust finisher.
This example has clearly been meticulously maintained throughout its life and was bought, in 2019, in a fine working order. It was reported to run very smoothly, maintain a stable temperature and kick down smoothly. Since then, the car has been stored with no more than a couple of hundred miles covered. Whist in storage the car has undergone a tuning, routine maintenance and a brake pad rectification.
The big clamshell bonnet lifts to give excellent access to the big V12 engine. The condition under here is very good indeed. It looks admirably original and clean with the original data plates seemingly present. The underside of the car looks good too, with just a modicum of surface corrosion noted. The condition under here has clearly benefited from an earlier full Waxoiling. bWgKPR1wIUB4lAfLvFij3YGVbFZrdGbfuXPOp8Ov.jpg1.1 MB
Summary
The E Type was famously built in significant numbers which, for many years, helped to supress values. When values bottomed out many became uneconomical to repair and inevitably went to the big scrap yard in the sky. Ironically this restriction of supply reinvigorated prices significantly over subsequent decades. The demand for original, well preserved and interesting E Types is currently very strong indeed.
This example is precisely one of those cars. It has had a mere three owners in its 52-year history having covered a shade under 72,000 miles. The additional interest comes in the form of the special-order Bahama Gold colourway which suits the car so well and adds a large degree of individuality. It’s a fine example with an almost peerless provenance that is bound to turn heads. Bid today for your chance to own this rare and exciting ownership opportunity.
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.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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