As the E-Type entered its twilight years, Jaguar launched the Series 3, offering a more cosseting, grand-tourer experience, but still with a sporting edge. A longer wheelbase, wider wheels, enhanced external styling and a refreshed interior complete the look and feel of this handsome and very capable machine. Little wonder they are still sought after and swooned over by generations of enthusiasts.
This particular example was apparently restored in the 1980s and retains a lovely level of patination and a delightful character, yet presents in excellent overall condition. It benefits from a very comprehensive history file too, which the vendor tells us details expenditure and MOT history back to when the car was new.
Certainly, E-Types are as collectible as they ever have been, and solid, clean examples with comprehensive histories are increasingly tricky to find. That being the case, we heartily encourage you to take a moment to consider this delightful machine. With its sonorous V12, desirable Primrose Yellow over black colour scheme and engaging manual transmission, it’s everything you could want from an E-Type.IMG_3894 3.JPG4.93 MB
The History and Paperwork
First registered in December 1974
UK supplied, right-hand drive car from late in the final production run (VIN: 1S2288)
One of 1,871 examples built, according to the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club
Historic vehicle status – tax and MOT exempt
Previous registered owner for the last 32 years
Comprehensively restored in the 1980s
39,523 miles on a five-figure odometer, although this cannot be warranted, the vendor believes it to be genuine
We are informed that this is a ‘matching numbers’ vehicle
Extensive history file which we are told contains invoices, history and MOT records back to when the car was new
Both of the seats are swathed in gently aged black leather, which offers a fine, authentic atmosphere to the cabin. There is some light creasing, as you’d expect, but no notable damage or tearing that we could identify.
These are well complemented with black carpeting that runs through the footwells and rear luggage area. Again, this shows some light wear commensurate with the age of the restoration, but appears to be eminently usable and very presentable.
With that wide, wood-rimmed wheel and a full complement of Smiths gauges before you, the driving environment of the E-Type is certainly evocative of the era. A smooth, black-balled manual gear selector and smooth stainless steel handbrake fall perfectly to hand, while all the controls and switchgear wear a smooth and even level of weathering that is both welcome and entirely appropriate.
The vendor reports no issues or faults with any of the cabin’s features.
Resplendent in its desirable Primrose Yellow paint, this E-Type really is as pretty as a picture. The longer wheelbase and wider stance of the Series 3 neatly fills out the profile, and those long, sweeping curves are as elegant as ever. The paintwork itself is in fine fettle, with some light markers and blemishes and a little swirling in places, but overall it looks to have been remarkably well preserved.
Likewise, the bodywork shows very well, with no corrosion or damage on display, even shut lines and smoothly undulating styling. This is well complemented by the lovely brightwork. Again, this is warmly and lightly patinated, just hinting at the car’s age but still presenting in very fine fashion. As far as we can see, all of the trim and badging is present and correct with no significant blemishing or damage. Underneath, all appears to be solid and straight, with no significant corrosion we could discern.
The black mohair hood shows no evidence of UV damage, sagging or serious wear and tear. In fact, it holds a fine, deep black colour and looks taut when deployed.
This E-Type is riding on what we consider to be the perfect wheels for the car – chromed 15-inch wire items with knock-off spinners. They exhibit a fine lustre and wear a matched set of Dunlop tyres that appear to be in good overall condition.IMG_3914 3.JPG5.36 MB
The Mechanics
5,343cc naturally aspirated V12
Four-speed all-synchro transmission
Rear-wheel drive
Disc brakes all round
Fully independent suspension
Recent comprehensive recommissioning
Of course, there’s no getting away from the fact that the beating heart of the E-Type is that magnificent, all-aluminium, 5.3-litre V12. It’s a fabulous unit, producing a claimed 272hp and 304lb-ft and sounding quite incredible as it sings away through the quad exhausts. Mated to the four-speed manual transmission of this model, it makes for an exotic and intoxicating companion on the road.
After a period of little use, the vendor tells us that the mechanicals of this car were recommissioned in 2021, when the car had 39,451 miles on the clock. Work carried out, which apparently came at a cost of £11,229, is said to have included:
Removed and refurbished subframe
New brake discs, pads and hoses
New brake master cylinder
All four Stromberg carburettors were removed, rebuilt and tuned
A number of cars are viewed as iconic, but few live up to the hype. The vast majority of enthusiasts and collectors will tell you that the E-Type is one of the few that does. Presented here in overall excellent condition, with some welcome and gentle patination, a superb history and record of maintenance and extensive, recent recommissioning work, this is a very fetching example.
We think the combination of history, specification and general quality here makes this a very special car indeed. If you’re in the market for an E-Type, make sure you give this careful consideration.
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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