Highlights

Restored car with excellent bodywork
Popular colour combination
Recent engine work including head gasket
Long Controle Technique certificate to April 2025
Very usable and practical Series 3
Original French market car

The Appeal

The Series 3 E-Type was not just a test bed for Jaguar’s brand new V12 engine, it leaned into arguably what the car was always meant to be: a relaxing, high performance mile munching GT.

This early car plays to that theme with its automatic gearbox. In a poplar colour combination its bodywork is in very good condition – we are told it was ‘completely overhauled’ six years ago – and there is evidence of recent engine work. The interior is lightly patinated but since the first thing any owner will surely want to do is drive it, surely that can wait.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in Paris on 12th November 1971
VIN records confirm this is a factory built Borg Warner gearbox car
It is car number 333 of the run of 5,182 LHD Series 3 coupes
Old invoices and receipts from parts supplier SNG Barratt dating from 2013 and 2020
2013 invoices indicate the head gasket was replaced at this time
In 2020 attention was paid to the exhaust system and manifolds
We are told by the seller that the car has been completely restored six years ago
Unfortunately we have no further details but the condition attests to this
Controle Technique valid to 10th April 2025
Current owner acquired the car on 13th August 2013

The Condition

Bodywork apparently restored six years ago and condition supports this
Paintwork in very good order and in popular burgundy red shade
No visible damage to paintwork including chips, dents or scuffs
Panel fit is very good throughout particularly across the doors
Chromework well presented with no visible tarnishing or pitting
Smart chrome steel wheels in good order with matching non-chrome spare
Fitted with quality Michelin tyres showing good condition and tread
Glasswork and lights well kept with no visible misting or cracks
Lovely factory correct details abound including the fluted four-branch exhaust tip
Factory tool kit in boot
Biscuit leather interior appears to be original and showing some patina in places
Front seats are usable but show holes and cracks and would benefit from recovering
Rear seats are well presented and apparently unused and original
Rear luggage area in good order with no visible fading, damage or missing trim
Dashboard is original and well kept albeit with some damage to dash top roll
Switchgear is similarly original and showing light marks of age and use
Beige carpets match seats and are well presented with no visible stains or frays
Factory correct three spoke leather-rimmed steering wheel showing only light marks
Later Pioneer stereo fitted but interior otherwise very original
Door cards in well preserved condition with complete, undamaged furniture

This early Series 3 coupe is finished in an appealing shade of burgundy and sits on factory chrome steels, a smart and welcome alternative to the more common wires. We are told the car was restored six years ago and the panel fit and paintwork finish attests to the quality of that work.

The interior is finished in popular Biscuit and while it shows some aging, is certainly very usable and could be improved considerably with little significant work.

The Mechanics

5.3litre V12 Jaguar engine developing around 285bhp
Four Solex carburettors
3spd automatic Borg Warner gearbox
Head gasket replaced in 2013 according to parts receipts
More recent attention to manifolds and exhaust system

Jaguar chose to trial its new V12 engine in the E-Type because it allowed the firm to ramp up volume slowly without too many risks. It is, of course, a gem of a motor, silky smooth and very quick, transforming the E-Type into a luxurious GT. This car’s automatic gearbox emphasises the relaxed, unruffled nature of these later V12 cars.

We are told the car starts, runs and drives as it should. There is evidence of head gasket work in 2013 and more recent attention to the manifolds.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.