By 1972, 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 magazine 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'

Purchased by the vendor in 2015, this beautiful UK supplied, manual gearbox Series 3 V12 FHC shows having only covered 48000 miles in its 53-year life. With only three owners, the car was previously laid up in 1977 with the 1976 tax disc still showing in the windscreen, 1976 service and MOT documents are also present. Registered and supplied on 7th April 1972 by Rossleigh, Shandwick Place, Edinburgh, its original Jaguar Passport is present with stamped service history between 1972 and 1976. Supplied with original documents including passport/service history, Ziebart rustproofing receipt, 8-track stereo, car operating handbook and additional diagrams/posters and 1972 Jaguar sales and service facility booklet as well as the ferry receipt from last trip pre-lay up (Dun Laoghaire-Holyhead 20 July 1976). The original 8-track stereo is retained, but a modern radio is installed within the original stereo system.

Re-registered in 2015 with support from E-Type Owners Club and DVLA inspection (document retained) after its restoration was completed, the car was given a mechanical rebuild by experts Enginuity based in West London. The car also benefited form a bare metal respray and subsequent re-trim. Today it is finished in its original colour of Old English White and black leather seats along with navy carpets and a grey headliner. A sympathetic restoration, originality was retained wherever possible. The car has since been regularly serviced and maintained regardless of cost. Reported by the vendor to run and drive very well, this handsome final evolution of the legendary E-type is ready to stretch its legs on the open road. Consigned by Will Penrose

Lot details
Year: 1972
Make: Jaguar
Model: E-Type SIII Fixedhead Coupe
Registration: YSC 500K
Chassis No: 1S51026
Odometer: 48,000

* Sympathetically restored
* Original UK supplied right hand drive manual car