"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.
Built on 27th April 1972 and shipped to British Leyland New York USA, this left hand drive V12 E-Type was returned to the UK in 2017. A matching numbers example in its original colours of white with a Cinnamon leather interior, it is also fitted with air conditioning. Now UK registered, the car has had just two UK owners and has been well maintained including new rear brakes calipers in 2019 and a stainless steel exhaust and new GAZ shock absorbers in 2020, with approximately £8,000 of expenditure on file. Mechanically the car starts and runs as it should, the automatic gearbox works well and has had a recent oil change. This is a largely original and unrestored car and it presents well although the paintwork is showing some minor signs of age. This is a well presented, useable example showing a modest 71,883 miles on the odometer and is offered with a sizeable history file including a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Dating Certificate and the UK V5 registration document."