The series III E-type has in times of late generated the level of appreciation she always did deserve but didn't always get

With it's longer wheelbase and new 5.3 litre V12 engine the series III stepped away from the mould of the highly revered series I & II and is a much better grand tourer for it

Bigger wheels & flared wheel arches also made for a more relaxed design language but be in no doubt that the XJ-13 derived engine has all the grunt necessary for a serious sports car

In fact the car we have here is quite easily the best driving & fastest series III E-type we have come across. Restored by Phil Leeson Heritage Car Co to such an exacting standard she takes you back to the Jaguar showroom floor in 1973

No stone was left un-turned in the restoration, fittingly therefore she presents as well underneath as she does on top. The engine bay especially is like a work of art with painted rocker covers & exhausts sexing up what was already a beautiful area

Another little design cue we are quite fond of is the four pipe exit on the exhaust which has been left circular as opposed to fishtailed as they usually are, the exhaust makes a fantastic noise too

A lovely Moto-Lita wooden steering wheel was fitted, slightly smaller than they typically are to make getting in and out more easy as well as a mega modern stereo with iPhone connectivity etc etc

Having only covered a few hundred miles since the resto she starts on the button, is in perfect running order & ready for use

In roadster format it could be said that the wider stance, longer wheelbase & flared arches make the series III a prettier car than the I or II, certainly if it's a comfortable & capable open top tourer you're after not much can better it.