The Jaguar E-Type is one of those magnificent entities that we should all be glad that mankind somehow spirited into existence; a landmark automobile that’s deftly woven itself into the fabric of popular culture just as it has within motoring folklore.

For many an enthusiast, the Series 3 is the most striking embodiment of the format: updated to run a lusty 5.3-litre V12, the early-seventies E-Types were as potent as they were comfortable, cunningly fusing sporting prowess with grand tourer credentials.

The example we have here has a rich and deeply textured history; a UK right-hand-drive car, with a Heritage certificate to prove its matching-numbers credentials, and with just 66k miles on the clock. When these cars were new there were essentially three optional extras that it was possible to specify – the wire wheels, the headrests and the quad-exit exhaust – and this car has them all.

It’s presented in a very desirable colour scheme and in lovely condition throughout, with an extensive history file showing that it’s been looked after by The Jaguar Workshop for the last decade or so, and assorted specialists including Eagle Racing before that. Recently serviced and running beautifully, this is a thoroughly lovely Jaguar that’s ready to enjoy.

The interior of an E-Type is an evocative place to be, and the fun part is that it has an entirely different character depending on whether you’ve got the roof up or down. With the roof raised, you’re hunkered down inside, cocooned in simple elegance and ready to power across continents; lower the hood and suddenly life becomes light and airy, with endless reserves of fresh air to artfully rearrange your hair.

The interior of this E-Type is in very good condition indeed; the seats are as supportive as they should be and tilt forward correctly to allow access to the rear storage. The leather is nice with no rips, holes or excessive wear, just a gentle patina that wholly befits its age. The carpets are in good condition, and so are the doorcards.

The dash-top is free from cracks, and the dash is tidy with unfaded wood – the gauges and switchgear are all present and correct and appear to be fully functional. The Moto-Lita steering wheel is a period-appropriate touch, and the only modern addition is an Alpine CD head unit and speakers.

Inside the boot it’s dry and clean, with a decent carpet. Underneath the boot floor we find a correct spare wire wheel, along with a brand new mallet for the knock-off spinners.

The metallic Graphite Grey paint suits the E-Type beautifully, and it’s all in really lovely condition here with no evident scuffs, scratches, chips or marks. The chrome is all present and correct, and gleams wonderfully, and the car is fitted with a set of wire wheels in tidy condition, with Avon Turbospeed tyres on the fronts and Vredestein Sport Classics on the rear. All of the correct trim and badges are in place, the light lenses are all in good condition, and so is the windscreen.

The roof is good, with a nice clear window pane and no holes aside from a small one on the passenger side; it raises, secures and lowers as it should (with just one broken fixing to the exterior). Panel fit is neat throughout, and we see no evidence of corrosion to the exterior. It’s a very well presented and extremely tidy E-Type.

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 is slick and precise, even from cold. The brakes are reassuringly strong and pull the car up in a straight line, while the suspension feels supple and planted and allows the Jag to handle with the trademark E-Type smoothness without any untoward noises. It really is a very pleasant thing to drive, acting just as a V12 E-Type should – it’s impossible not to smile.

There’s no denying that driving a V12 E-Type is an 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, ineffably slinky and curvaceous. And when you find an example that’s beautifully finished and champing at the bit to be enjoyed, how can you possibly resist? 

The body looks magnificent, the interior is highly pleasant, the way it drives is just as it should be – if you’ve ever pencilled a V12 E-Type onto your wish-list, this is the one to have.

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.*