"This car can be viewed in person from 14th to 18th July 2020 at our the auction site, Windsorview Lakes, Datchet, SL3 9HY
In 1971, the Jaguar E-Type was 10 years old and needed a new lease of life; the answer came with the birth of the E-Type V12. Once again, history repeated itself and the new Series III was a huge success when Jaguar debuted its robust new engine in a sports car instead of a saloon, for which it was designed. Despite its sports-car heritage, Jaguar depended on saloons for their survival and had developed its twelve cylinder unit to power them with sufficient torque and refinement. It was beefy enough to handle up to 7.0 litres displacement, but an initial volume of 5.3 was chosen. The all-aluminium single-cam V12 was about three inches longer than the inline-six, and though it outweighed the six by less than 75lbs, it still tipped the scales at almost 700lbs. Jaguar rated it at 272hp in Europe and 314hp in the United States. The new engine fitted in the same engine bay as the six cylinder unit but, to allow for greater leg room, Jaguar shelved the convertible's 96 inch wheelbase and gave all Series III’s the 105 inch span previously exclusive to the 2+2 coupés. A larger radiator inlet and subtle wheel arches to clear wider tyres were further changes. Larger and softer in nature, with weight redistributed 53/47, the Series III had lost the wildness of its youth but gained the long-legged touring profile to which it was arguably better suited.
Manufactured on 8th February 1973 and dispatched the following month this Jaguar was destined to spend the first 14 years of its life in the USA before being repatriated to the UK in 1987 having been imported by SNG Barrett. The owner at that time was a garage proprietor who put the car into dry storage for some 20 years. He then set about a recommissioning task which included removing the engine and gearbox. Although showing no signs of wear, he rebuilt the engine and changed the gearbox to a five-speed Getrag manual gearbox. At the same time he converted the car to righthand drive and replaced all of the suspension bushes. Once again the car was put back into dry storage although she was started and moved regularly. The current vendor purchased the E-Type in 2019 and set about registering the car with DVLA and refreshing the paintwork. Whilst stripping the old paint off, it became apparent this was a very solid example with no corrosion and showing no signs of previous repairs. Presenting in the original colour combination of Primrose Yellow with black interior this Jaguar is delightful and ready to be enjoyed immediately. Supplied with a V5C registration document and a Jaguar Heritage Certificate, the odometer reading of 35,512 is thought to be correct although not warranted.
The health and safety of both our customers and team remains the utmost priority, we are therefore operating to Government guidelines throughout viewing and auction day."