For a great many Jaguar enthusiasts, the Series III represents the pinnacle of the E-Type’s dynasty. Produced from 1971-74, it came equipped with the mighty 5.3-litre V12 engine, imposing egg-crate grille, and improved suspension and braking over previous models. Contemporary ad straplines read ‘Maybe we should have called it the F-Type’, such was the scale of evolution; refining the road-racer into a sumptuous cruiser, this big-hearted machine was the E-Type’s last hurrah before it was usurped by the XJ-S.

The example we have here is particularly desirable, its Heritage certificate confirming it to be a UK-market right-hand-drive model with manual transmission. And with an impressively huge file of documentation, we can see that a substantial amount of money has been spent in recent years on getting it to the glorious condition you see it in today. The incredibly low mileage is believed genuine, with a signed letter from the owner to confirm (and copious MOT certificates to back it up), and the car has only had two keepers since 1984; the current keeper has had it since 2016 and, in his words, ‘spent far more than I should have on restoring the car to make it one of the best, without compromising on its rich history’.

Having painstakingly researched all of the former keepers – including notable collector and founder of the Fernhurst Motor Company, Major Ben Faulkner, whose cherished registration ‘18 BWF’ has been on the car since 1982 and will be included in the sale – this owner then set about commissioning experts and artisans to restore the car to the tune of around £40,000. The body was perfected and repainted by Rushton Engineering in 2019, the mechanicals extensively overhauled by Winspeed, and the overall ethos was to make it beautiful and usable while also respecting its past. The effect is dramatic; indeed, it’s one of the most charming Series IIIs we’ve seen in some time.

The sympathetic approach to restoration is keenly evident here, with the cabin beautifully presented while not being over-restored. The seats wear a gentle patina, as they’re believed to be the original and unrestored items; they are still as supportive as they should be and tilt forward correctly to allow access to the rear bench. The steering wheel has recently been replaced with a tasteful new Moto-Lita item, with new wood dash trim fitted to match. The car has recently been fitted with a brand new headlining. Inside the boot it’s dry and clean, and underneath the boot floor we find the correct spare wire wheel.

The Jaguar was repainted in 2019, and the choice of Opalescent Gunmetal Grey is truly inspired, as it suits the elegant coupe lines beautifully, while the deep metallic hue takes on almost shape-shifting qualities in the sunshine. Just take a scroll through the photos, it really is a magnificent machine to behold. The chrome all gleams very pleasingly, and the car is fitted with a set of chrome wire wheels which are in lovely condition and fitted with quality Avon Turbospeed tyres. All of the correct trim and badges are in place, the light lenses are all in good condition, and so is the windscreen. It’s a very well presented and extremely pretty E-Type indeed.

There are few driving experiences more pleasing than cruising around London in a V12 Jag, and this E-Type is very happy to oblige. Started from cold, it fired up without issue and settled into a steady idle, the gauges swiftly registering the correct pressures and temperatures. The engine pulls strongly and feels like it’s nicely in balance without any histrionics from the carbs, and the manual transmission shifts smoothly.

The seller reports that it’s a very enjoyable long-distance cruiser too, tackling motorway speeds with aplomb. The brakes are reassuringly strong and pull the car up in a straight line, while the suspension feels supple and allows the Jag to waft along with its trademark smoothness – no undue noises, no squeaks or rattles, just pleasant GT motoring. The history file shows how fastidiously the Jaguar has been maintained, and that’s all in evidence here: a truly lovely thing to drive.

Driving a V12 E-Type is a thoroughly evocative and multi-sensory endeavour. The pleasantly trimmed cabin is so cocooning, and that 5.3-litre engine just has so much heart. And of course the principal lure of the sylph-like Jag is the way it looks, slinky and curvaceous. This example really makes a strong case for itself too: the ownership history has been thoroughly researched and is all painstakingly documented; there’s extensive paperwork to back up the mileage, plenty of evidence of the car’s maintenance history and restoration, and of course a huge amount of money has been spent to turn it into what it is today: a beautifully presented and thoroughly usable Series III. Quite frankly, it’s one of the very best E-Types we’ve seen in quite a while.

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.