1973 | Jaguar Type E V12

The Jaguar E-Type was ten years old and in need of a new lease of life. History repeated itself when Jaguar debuted its robust V12 engine in a sportscar instead of the saloon for which it was designed. Despite its sportscar heritage, Jaguar depended on saloon vehicles for its survival and had developed the twelve-cylinder engine to power them with sufficient torque and refinement.
Larger and softer in nature and with weight redistributed 53/47, the Series III had lost the wilds of its youth but gained the long-legged touring profile to which it was arguably better suited.
Robert Bell in Motor was quoted as saying at the time that 'all we expected to try was a new engine, but what in fact we drove was a new car. Not a yowling, aggressive Ferrari-like machine with which, perhaps, most people associate a V12 engine, but a very smooth, quiet and refined grand touring sports car'.

This E-Type was originally supplied by Ritchies of Glasgow on 20th September 1972, it was specified in white with a black leather interior and the all-important manual gearbox. The car is presented today in very good order overall, the paint has a good shine following a full respray a few years ago and the brightwork gleams. The hood has been replaced and looks very smart, free from any fading or tears. The various invoices and MoT's suggest the correct mileage to be circa 50,000 but the current reading is in the mid 30,000's, this is very likely due to a clock change but the history file shows a good record of the mileage. The history file supplied with the car contains a wealth of bills totalling some £33,000 during the current owners nearly decade long ownership, it also contains a Heritage Certificate confirming the car retains its original engine and factory specification. Ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian, this E-Type looks to be great value and is offered to auction with a very attractive estimate. Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1973
Make: Jaguar
Model: E-Type Series III Roadster (5.3 litre)
Registration: LNV 636L
Chassis No: 15-1390
Engine No: 7S 5802 SB
Mileage: 35,678


* Home market example in original specification

* Comprehensive history file with over £30k of bills

* Supplied with Heritage Certificate confirming matching numbers