1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster
Registration no. GNT 156M
Chassis no. 1S2036

One consequence of the E-Type's long process of development had been a gradual increase in weight, but a good measure of the concomitant loss of performance was restored in 1971 with the arrival of the Series III V12. Weighing only 80lb more than the cast-iron-block 4.2-litre XK six, the new all-alloy, 5.3-litre, overhead-camshaft V12 produced 272bhp, an output good enough for a top speed in excess of 140mph. Further good news was that the 0-100mph time of around 16 seconds made the V12 the fastest-accelerating E-Type ever.

Other mechanical changes beneath the Series III's more aggressive looking exterior included ventilated front disc brakes, anti-dive front suspension, Lucas transistorised ignition and Adwest power-assisted steering, while automatic transmission was one of the more popular options on what was now more of a luxury Grand Tourer than out-and-out sports car. Flared wheelarches, a deeper radiator air intake complete with grille, and a four-pipe exhaust system distinguished the Series III from its six-cylinder forbears, plus, of course, that all-important 'V12' boot badge. The interior though, remained traditional Jaguar.

Built in two-seat roadster and '2+2' coupé versions, both of which used the long-wheelbase floor pan introduced on the Series II '2+2', the Series III E-Type continued the Jaguar tradition of offering a level of performance and luxury unrivalled at the price.

This E-Type's first owner was John Foster, a collector who also owned Peter Walker's Jaguar XK120, 'JWK 977', and the Sir Robert Ropner semi-lightweight E-Type. In 2010, the car was offered for sale at Bonhams' Goodwood Festival of Speed auction (Lot 372) by the second owner, John Ramsbottom, and purchased there by SNG Barratt Ltd, who sold it to the current vendor in August 2011.
In 2012, the E-Type was stripped for repainting, while at the same time the suspension bushes, road springs, shock absorbers, clutch, brakes, and hydraulics were all replaced (Bills on file). The private vendor advises us that the car is free of rust and original apart from the change of colour to red (from sable) and that it runs superbly.

The E-Type comes complete with its original tonneau cover, and is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate, historical documents, and all expired MoTs verifying the recorded mileage.