1971 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 FHC (Manual)

Final Evolution of the E-Type, presenting beautifully in its factory colours of Willow Green over Biscuit Leather

Showing under 46,000 miles, recently repainted to a very high standard and retaining its original interior

Delivered new to the USA, remaining LHD, matching engine, chassis and manual gearbox

Nice original example with a timeless and tasteful period colour scheme representing excellent value for money

A decade after the original Jaguar E-Type arrived, the design progressively matured through 1971 with the introduction of the Series III. Designed to showcase the new smooth and torquey 5.3-litre engine, originally developed for Le Mans, the Series III cars were available as a 'Roadster' (convertible) or a '2+2' Coupé. The Series III is easily identifiable by its large cross-slatted front grille, flared wheel arches, wider tyres, a larger bonnet bulge, updated bumpers, four exhaust tips, and a badge on the rear that proclaims it to be a V12. It also featured uprated brakes, power steering as standard and a large horizontal scoop added to the underside of the bonnet to assist with cooling. The interior was entirely new in the V12, with more comfortable seating, stylish new door panels and a smaller, dished and leather-rimmed steering wheel. Being slightly larger and altogether much softer in nature, the E-Type in Series III form had lost the wildness of its youth but gained the long-legged touring profile, to which it was arguably better suited.

This example we have on offer was originally delivered to the USA, factory specified with the desirable manual gearbox and in, arguably, one of the best-suited colour combinations for the E-Type silhouette, Willow Green and Biscuit Leather interior. Our vendor purchased this example in 2015 from a well known British musician and car collector who had carefully sourced and imported the car personally from the US. Overall, the car appeared in excellent original condition however some areas of the factory paint had begun to crack due to the warm climate. The decision was made to commission a full glass-out respray at North Wales Jaguar Centre in Llandudno, including some mechanical work to remove the American Stromberg carburettors and replace with superior SU units. In November 2017, our vendor delivered the car back to NWJC to have the gearbox taken out and overhauled by a specialist (All Gears in Notts) who also sourced and fitted a, period correct, electric overdrive unit. NWJC re-installed the gearbox after having the prop-shaft shortened and balanced. Recently repainted to an extremely high standard and retaining its original interior, this car presents very well indeed yet still feels like a well looked after classic car, a feeling that can sometimes get lost with a full restoration. As a result, we are informed by the vendor that 127 JWO drives just as a V12 S3 E-type should, a powerful GT car, handling well, and still commanding admiring glances wherever it travels.

To be offered with a history folder including its current V5, fresh MoT, images of the car before and during cosmetic restoration, and invoices and receipts for all work undertaken. The original steering wheel will also be included in the sale. Here presents an opportunity to obtain the last of Jaguar's revered E-Types, matching numbers, original left-hand drive, featuring on the XK database, and presenting very nicely.