A decade after the original Jaguar E-type arrived, the design progressively matured through 1971 with the introduction of the Series 3. Designed to showcase the new smooth and torquey 5.3-litre engine, originally developed for Le Mans, the Series 3 cars were available as a 'Roadster' (convertible) or a '2+2' Coupe. The Series 3 is easily identifiable by its large cross-slatted front grille, flared wheel arches, wider tyres, a larger bonnet bulge, updated bumpers, four exhaust tips, and a badge on the rear that proclaims it to be a V12. It also featured uprated brakes, power steering as standard and a large horizontal scoop added to the underside of the bonnet to assist with cooling. The interior was entirely new in the V12, with more comfortable seating, stylish new door panels and a smaller, dished and leather-rimmed steering wheel. Being slightly larger and altogether much softer in nature, the E-type in Series 3 form had lost the wildness of its youth but gained the long-legged touring profile, to which it was arguably better suited.

This remarkable Series 3 Roadster has covered a warranted 33,000 miles from new. A home-market, right-hand drive, manual gearbox car, VGM 32M was delivered new to the current owner's company as his 'new company car'. When the time came to replace it in the late seventies, he was able to buy it from the company and has kept it ever since. Being 6’ 4” tall, he moved the mirrors from the doors to the bonnet in order to be of use, and then subsequently made the mounting holes good and painted the doors, however, the rest of the Lavender Blue paint is original. Having been used very lightly over the last few years and stored under cover at his Bournemouth weekend home, there is now evidence of some 'micro blistering' of the paintwork and potential purchasers might want to spend some time examining that prior to bidding and whilst most people may not even notice it, our vendor is keen to point it out particularly as it's such a rare and distinctive colour. The car is essentially original as you might expect with just 33,000 miles and retains its original dark blue interior, hood and carpets etc.

It was recently serviced by Epping Jaguar including a fuel pump and is accompanied by a lovely history file with its original warranty card, handbook, MOTs to corroborate the indicated mileage, invoices for works etc. 

This Series 3 has a lot going for it; UK-supplied, manual gearbox, one keeper from new, 32,570 miles and a super rare colour. Come and have a look.