Could this be the most original V12 Roadster in the World? With just 10,555 miles from new and every MOT Certificate from 1978, this sublime car presented in Signal Red with Biscuit hide is astonishing in all departments. Nothing restored or rebuilt or even re-painted but totally as it left Browns Lane in February 1974. A unique find and the future star of any Jaguar collection.

The E-Type is a British icon and quite possibly one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Production commence in Coventry of this now-legendary car in March 1961 initially for the export market only with domestic production being introduced come 4 months later. Using the tried and tested 3781cc inline 6-cylinder with triple SU carburettors from the XK150S, the early cars (up to the Summer of 1962) had flat floors rather than proper foot-wells and are considered one of the most desirable of all variants by enthusiasts. But for sheer power and user-friendliness, the later Series 3 cars, especially open 2-seaters (Roadsters) have become hugely sought-after and have the benefit of power-steering, uprated brakes and of course a glorious V12 engine built specifically for this model. Easily identified by the cross-slatted grille and flared wheel-arches, around 8,000 Series 3 Roadsters were built until production of the E-Type finally ceased in 1974.

Our car was supplied by Henleys of London to its first registered keeper in June 1974. From the paper-trail of MOT Certificates going back to 1978, the car has evidently enjoyed a pampered existence with 3 long-term keepers (around 10 years each) up to 2006 covering just a few hundred miles each year. Early years were spent in London (Kensington) and the South East whilst the last long-term keeper garaged the car at his country house in South Devon.

Today the car presents as if it has just left the showroom albeit with a softness of patina that can only come with age. The paint-work is in our opinion entirely original and blemish-free whilst chrome-work too is remarkable given that it is all original. Perfect chrome wire wheels are still shod with original Pirelli P5 tyres whilst the Biscuit hide has a gently enjoyed look commensurate with the mileage. Under the bonnet, the fabulous V12 recites the same story. A car that has been cosseted, cherished and maintained in every conceivable way.

On the road, the car drives as if it has just left the factory. Fast, smooth and responsive. It is probably the nearest thing to a brand-new E-Type any of us will ever get to experience.

The E-Type comes with a full paper-trail of MOT Certificates including a current one to March 2013, Original Handbook, Heritage Certificate, 2 sets of keys and the original brown plastic dealer wallet.

A fabulous investment opportunity.