- Fitted with the desirable manual gearbox
- An elegant, European and V12-powered 1970s Roadster: credentials that are shared exclusively with the Ferrari Daytona Spyder
- Twelve cylinders. In the automotive numbers game, that’s very nearly top of the pops, a Classic-era throwback that blends smoothness, performance, and prestige in equal measures
- One of 1.711 examples built in 1972

On its release in March 1961, Enzo Ferrari called it “the most beautiful car ever made“.

In 2004, Sports Car International magazine placed the E-Type at number one on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s.

In March 2008, the Jaguar E-Type ranked first in The Daily Telegraph online list of the worlds’ “100 most beautiful cars” of all time.

Jaguar had long been famed for its sophisticated XK twin-cam straight-six engines, but as the 1970s approached with new emissions regulations, the limitations of that cast-iron unit prompted the automaker’s engineers to create something entirely new.

With the launch of the Series III version in 1971, Jaguar shifted the E-Type’s character from sports car to grand tourer.

Under the bonnet was Jaguar’s newly developed 5.3-liter V-12 engine factory rated at 272 horsepower.

That engine not only kept the E-type competitive in the face of ever-increasing pollution controls, it gave Jaguar a cylinder count matched just by Ferrari and Lamborghini, and would power the automaker’s forthcoming flagship luxury sedan, the XJ12.

The new engine was both effortlessly powerful and eerily refined. “The turbine-like smoothness with which the engine provides a sustained shove in the back is almost uncanny, the more so when one accelerates hard in top gear.” (Autocar 5th July 1973).

Styling updates were considerable with an enlarged, slatted front grille, flared wheel arches, wider tires, and a four-tip exhaust.

A boot-lid-mounted V-12 badge proudly touted the impressive engine.

Total production of the Series III amounted to 15,917 units, with 11,931 being left-hand drive. One of 1.711 Roadster examples were built in 1972.

The last Open Two-Seater was assembled in September 1974.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

This gorgeous E-Type V12, equipped with the rare and desirable 4 speed manual gearbox, is one of just 1.711 Roadster examples built in 1972.

A little more is known about its earlier years, though it has retained its numbers-matching engine to the present day.

The colour really suits the car and emphasises all of sculptured lines and curves.

The car is sold for a customer on commission base and is not in the condition of a car which we normally sell. On the other hand, the looks of the E-type are very nice and with some small attention it is possible to make this car excellent and to add value to her.

How is it possible to find for a relative small amount of money a manual gearbox E-type convertible?

The current owner bought the car in March 2016 in the Netherlands.

As is documented by the invoices on file, in his ownership the Jaguar has benefitted from a series of maintenance works at Classic Cars specialists in the Netherlands, Kooij Cars in Gravenhage and Caresance Classic Cars in Voorschoten.

Fitted with instruments for participation in regularity rallies, it is an ideal purchase for anyone who likes to buy a very special but still reasonable priced car.

CONDITION EXTERIOR

A very presentable and attractive car overall.

The body is nice and seems to be very solid.

The chrome on the car like the bumpers and window surroundings are in excellent order but not as new. One can find some very minor pickling which is visible if very close.

This E-Type’s Cream paint makes a strong impression and the paint is in nice condition throughout.

This example could benefit from some minor cosmetics at this point but could also be driven and enjoyed as-is.

CONDITION INTERIOR

Due to the careful use of the former owner the interior still is in a beautiful condition.

The instruments and controls are all in good working order.

The finish of the upholstery is excellent and the seats are very comfortable.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

In its January 1972 issue, the U.K. publication Motor Sport wrote: ‘There is no question about twelve-cylinder Jaguar motoring being travel of a most effortless kind. You lower yourself down into the driving seat over the customary sill, start up, and the engine wafts the car along with turbine-like smoothness and quite an audible “jet-plane” sound’.

An enjoyable car. The car is very powerful and has an enormous torque.

This makes the car great to accelerate on a circuit or in mountain areas.

The steering, brakes, and suspension all have a very good, harmonious feel, having benefited from proper care and service over the years.

One of the added benefits of the later Series III cars is the improved driver ergonomics and their ability to accommodate larger drivers, which contributes greatly to the driving experience.

Disclaimer
The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.