1975 Jaguar E-Type SIII V12 Roadster

Jaguar introduced the E-Type in March 1961 to worldwide acclaim, and its early forays into motorsport were rewarded in May of that year when Graham Hill celebrated the type's first win at Oulton Park. Success on the track was reflected on Monday mornings in the showrooms, and this was to continue right up until 1975 with over 70,000 E-Types eventually produced in Coventry.

From 1961, the E-Type evolved and improved with every iteration from the original Series 1 Coupés and Roadsters, through the Series 2 cars of the late 1960s until finally the Series 3 arrived in late 1971, this 5.3 V12 only being available as a convertible or a '2+2'. The Series 3 was built on a slightly longer wheelbase with appropriate chassis modifications and larger, more effective brakes in the hope of coping with the turbine smooth, 272bhp delivered by the V12.

The grill was enlarged and the beautiful lines were enhanced with flared wheel arches. It now had the ride quality that could match any of its GT rivals, and with power steering and the, now optional air-conditioning, it possessed the civility and approachability that would make it attractive to a slightly more reticent customer base. Approximately 7,990 Series III Convertibles were sold worldwide before production ceased.

This matching numbers, original right-hand drive, manual, Series III V12 Roadster was first registered on 1st. Jan 1975 and was obviously manufactured towards the end of the production run of SIII Roadsters as it is Chassis number 2572 out of 2872 (RHD chassis started at 1000 so there were 1,872 built in total).

Originally delivered in Jaguar Light Blue with Blue hide interior, the car was subject to a comprehensive restoration between 2002 and 2004 and has covered 12,000 miles since. The rebuild included a full strip-down of the car with the engine and gearbox removed and carefully rebuilt replacing any components that were required. Replacement body panels were fitted including a complete new bonnet, and the whole car was taken back to bare metal and professionally painted in the stunning Silver in which you see it today.

Cosmetic upgrades at this time included the fitting of a 'Momo' wood-rimmed steering wheel, walnut dashboard and a period Motorola push-button radio.

As is now common with E-Types, a few upgrades were incorporated to make the car more enjoyable to drive, including grooved and drilled brake discs with braided hoses, and a set of SU carburettors combined with a well designed stainless steel exhaust system let the V12 breathe a little easier.

In November 2012, the differential was overhauled and in November 2013, the engine was removed and stripped to replace an oil leak due to a perished 'rope' seal on the crankshaft. The part alone is relatively inexpensive, however its replacement necessitated the engine removal and a complete strip-down. There was no evidence that the engine was in poor form,
 however the labour cost of the strip-down was such that replacing the components that are subject to wear was a logical move considering that the engine was already disassembled and the opportunity was taken to overhaul it (at a cost of £11,000) and the car has covered less than 1,000 miles since then.

Presented with a superb history file which includes a Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirming the original Engine, Gearbox and Chassis numbers, a number of service invoices up until October 1986 (when the car was put into storage for 10 years) and all the subsequent parts and labour invoices for the ensuing rebuilds.

This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a very well cared for SeriesIII Roadster with modern driving characteristics that is just perfect for top-down motoring in the coming months.