Highlights

Matching numbers car beautifully finished in black over biscuit
Low mileage car in long term ownership of a Jaguar collector
Equipped with Jaguar’s superlative, super-smooth V12 engine
Very well preserved and presented car that’s ready to use
Late model V12 E-Types are highly usable convertible GTs

The Appeal

Dropping its new V12 5.3litre engine into the E-Type transformed the redesigned car into the GT express it secretly always wanted to be. Smooth and effortless, the final Series 3 cars combined luxury with convenient features like power steering and air conditioning.

This low mileage v12 convertible has been in the long term ownership of an enthusiast collector since acquired in San Francisco. Tastefully finished in black over biscuit leather it is in very good condition and a great opportunity to indulge in a great example of one of these highly rewarding cars.

The History and Paperwork

Factory specification recorded on Jaguar Daimler Heritage Certificate number 39153:
- Confirms that this is a matching numbers
- Originally finished in very dark blue over tan
- Built on 21st February 1973
- Despatched to British Leyland New York on 26th March 1973
Chassis records confirm:
- U denotes a USA car
- D denotes 1973
- Chassis numbering confirm this is a 1973 built car
- BW denotes Borg Warner equipped automatic gearbox car
One of 6,119 LHD V12 convertibles built of which 2,128 are believed remaining
From New York the car was sold into California
The car was sourced for the seller in San Francisco and imported to Ireland to join his collection in early 1990
Repainted prior to its arrival in Ireland in black to a high standard
The mileage on acquisition was 51,519
Sold with its original:
- Marketing literature
- Maintenance booklet
Car serviced and maintained by seller’s own mechanic as part of a large collection:
- Seller states that his annual maintenance expenditure on his cars exceeds £30,000
- He also states that whatever the car needed, it got - his mechanic would present him with a list of parts and he bought them
Used to launch various Jaguar Ireland showrooms

The Interior

Very original, well preserved biscuit leather interior nicely contrasts with the black bodywork
Series 3 cars are built on the 2+2 E-Type platform so have bigger cockpits and doors for easier access
Original three-spoke leather rimmed Series 3 steering wheel in very good condition reflecting the low mileage
Air conditioning model, although the a/c likely requires regassing
Remotely operated ‘oyster’ chromed wing mirrors
Dashboard and switchgear in very good condition
Additional central vents as fitted to US market cars
Seller confirms that all gauges work
Dashboard, fascia trim and fittings and dials all in very good condition
Plaque on glovebox commemorates this car’s inclusion in the 30th anniversary 1991 E Type ‘1000 cars’ event at Donington
Cabin trim and carpets in excellent condition
Door cards and fittings in similarly well preserved condition
Jack, tool bag, lead hammer and wheel removal tool included

12 years on from the launch of the original, Jaguar wisely stuck to what it knew and owners of those first cars would have found much familiarity in this later car. But it is subtly different with more space - thanks to Series 3 cars being based on the 2+2 platform, and bigger, more luxuriously padded leather seats. US market cars such as this also got remotely operated chromed wing mirrors, air conditioning and, a bonus for serial E Type owners, much better ventilation.

The interior of this car retains its factory correct biscuit finish and is in very good condition. It is very original, right down to the attractive leather-rimmed, three spoke wheel and period-correct radio, and there is minimal wear to be seen on any of the switchgear and trim. We understand that the air conditioning may need a regas but otherwise this classy interior looks virtually as it left the factory 50 years ago.

This car is one of the 1,000 E-Types that assembled at Donington for the car’s 30th anniversary in 1991 and a metal plaque on the glovebox records this.

The Exterior

High quality black paintwork in very good condition with no discernible marks or scratches
The car is structurally excellent with no visible corrosion and clean, clear panel gaps and lines
Tan fabric soft top in good condition with clear Perspex panels, possibly a later retrim
Federal specification with side marker lights and slightly larger bumper over-riders
Chrome and trim in very good condition with no visible pitting or stone chips
Very attractive wire wheels shod with whitewall tyres with plenty if tread
Always garaged in doors as part of a large classic car collection
Stylish chrome boot rack
Tonneau cover in matching biscuit finish
Classic vaned chrome exhaust exit trim

The Series 3 refresh of the E-Type widened the track and stance and gave the car more of a GT feel. Certain colours seem to work particularly well with this body style and black is one of them, perhaps explaining why the final few ‘special edition’ cars used this colour.

This car left the factory painted dark blue so the current black finish is a later respray prior to the car’s purchase in 1990 by the seller. The work has clearly been done to a high standard as the paint finish is very good, although this likely also reflects the fastidious care of the owner. The black is neatly accented by the chromework on this car which is in similarly very good condition, including the stylish rear boot rack. As a USA market car it has the side marker lights and larger chrome over-riders of American E-Types.

The bodywork is very straight with even panel gaps and good shut lines, particularly around the often tricky doors. If it has been restored then it has been done to a very high standard.

The car sits on attractive deep dish chrome wires equipped with white wall tyres.

The Mechanics

5.3litre V12 running on double twin carburettors developing around 285bhp
3spd automatic gearbox
Maintained without concern for expense by the seller, a classic car collector
All work since 1990 undertaken by the seller’s in-house mechanic
Ignition system updated to later Opus 2 system for improved reliability

Jaguar’s new V12 5.3litre engine was designed for the XJ saloon and intended to offer more refinement than the V8s from American car makers. To help build up production the engine was first used in the revised Series 3 E-Type, but running on carburettors rather than the more complex and less reliable fuel injection system planned for the XJ.

This was a lucky move for E-Type enthusiasts because it transformed the car into a more grown up GT. The V12 Jaguar engine is arguably one of the greatest power plants of the last 50 years, a turbine-smooth unit that in correctly set up trim can balance a coin whilst running. This car emphasises the GT theme with a 3spd automatic gearbox.

It is a low mileage car that has been carefully maintained by the seller since 1990 as part of his large classic car collection. He has his own dedicated mechanic who services and maintains the cars. It is a matching numbers car confirmed by the Heritage Certificate in its comprehensive history file.

Summary

The Series 3 E-Type combined a more spacious, practical body style with Jaguar’s superlative V12 engine. Good cars are sought after for their combination of effortless urge and comfortable cabins.

This low mileage V12 convertible looks particularly good with its combination of black over biscuit. In very good condition and carefully curated by its long term collector owner, for those in search of one of Britain’s finest GT cars, this is an opportunity not to miss.

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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