"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 sensational Series III V12. Weighing only 80lb more than the cast-iron-block 4.2 litre that it replaced, the new all-alloy, 5.3 litre, overhead camshaft V12 engine produced 272bhp, an output good enough for a top speed well 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 wheel arches, 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.
First registered in November of 1972 and with just two former keepers, this example is presented in stunning silver coachwork with black leather trim. This V12 Series III E-Type has been subject to a sympathetic restoration and maintenance which, when reviewing the history file, began in early 2016 and was completed in 2018. The car is accompanied by a photographic record and invoices demonstrating two new rear arches fitted and that any rust was cut away before a full bare metal repaint, to a very good standard. Contained within the substantial history file are countless invoices, records and photographs dating back to 1974, previous MoT test certificates and a V5 registration document. This is possibly the best combination of the Jaguar V12 engine and manual gearbox with the added bonus of a full Webasto sunroof, ready to enjoy summer motoring in your very own slice of British motoring heritage."