The 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Coupe represents a significant and dramatic evolution of one of the most iconic sports cars in automotive history. Here’s the story and history behind this classic model:

Background: The Jaguar E-Type Legacy
Introduced in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type (or XK-E in North America) stunned the automotive world with its blend of performance, aesthetics, and price. Enzo Ferrari reportedly called it "the most beautiful car ever made." It combined race-bred technology from the Jaguar D-Type with road-going comfort and sophistication.

The Series 1 (1961–1968) and Series 2 (1968–1971) models had progressively evolved, but by the early 1970s, tightening U.S. emissions and safety regulations, as well as growing customer demands for power and refinement, prompted Jaguar to take a new direction.

The Introduction of the Series 3 (1971–1974)
Key Features:
Engine: The headline feature of the Series 3 was the 5.3-liter V12 engine, derived from a design originally intended for Le Mans racing.

Performance: This new V12 produced around 272 bhp, offering smoothness and effortless power, especially suited to the U.S. market.

Body Style Changes:

The Series 3 was offered only in 2+2 coupe and roadster forms — the standard two-seater coupe body from previous generations was discontinued.

The body was lengthened and widened, and a larger cross-slatted front grille, flared wheel arches, and quad exhaust pipes gave it a more muscular look.

Brakes & Steering: Power steering and improved brakes were now standard.

Interior: More luxurious appointments were included to appeal to grand touring buyers.

The 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Coupe
The 1972 model year is often considered one of the best examples of the Series 3 — early enough to retain some of the E-Type’s purity but with the benefit of the V12 engine and improved refinement.

Significance:
V12 Engine Heritage: This was the first time Jaguar offered a V12 in a production road car. The engine later powered other Jaguars, including the XJ12 and XJS.

Shift in Identity: The Series 3 E-Type marked a transition from a pure sports car to a grand tourer. It was faster in a straight line but more comfortable and less sharp than earlier E-Types.

End of an Era: The Series 3 was the final E-Type. Production ended in 1974, and Jaguar wouldn’t produce another sports car until the XJ-S in 1975, which had a very different character.

Cultural and Collector Value
Today, the Series 3 V12 Coupe is appreciated for its unique place in the E-Type lineage.

While early Series 1 cars often fetch higher values due to their purity and styling, the V12 models offer better drivability, reliability, and comfort, making them desirable for collectors and drivers alike.

This Jaguar was the subject of a nut and bolt restoration since when it has been very sparingly used. Around £80,000 in restoration bills come with the car attesting to the level of detail gone into the project the majority of which was done by Independent Jaguar Specialists Derek Watson. This in addition to the £40k cost of the car to start with. The Brief by the previous owner was to source a good solid low mile car and make it like new; a goal that has been achieved to perfection.

The car is finished in beautiful Cotswold blue paintwork; a colour that really suits the car. To the interior is dark blue leather though-out. A set of brand new wire wheels are installed with knock off hubs. A modern Apple play Hifi System has been installed along with a curved pair of high end Bose speakers unobtrusively fitted to the rear and looking as if they were a factory fitted item.

Some other thoughtful minor modifications have been done to the car such as uprated suspension bushes and installation of power electric windows. The body had a full Waxoyl treatment during restoration with all cavities injected and sprayed for long term corrosion proofing. The radiator has been recored and literally everything attended to that needed to be attended to. Koni Shock absorbers are fitted all round. An exhaustive list of the works done comes with the car.

The car has just arrived and is having a full major service including an engine tune of the already silky smooth V12 unit and also a change of brake fluid and master cylinder seals etc along with all other fluids.

The car is simply a pleasure to drive and makes you realise how special these cars were when new. This is a car ready to be either driven or shown, gaining admiring glances wherever it appears. We are selling it for a fraction of the money invested in it.