"The Jaguar E-Type was ten years old and in need of a new lease of life. History repeated itself when Jaguar debuted its robust V12 engine in a sportscar instead of the saloon for which it was designed. Despite its sportscar heritage, Jaguar depended on saloon vehicles for its survival and had developed the twelve-cylinder engine to power them with sufficient torque and refinement. Larger and softer in nature and with weight redistributed 53/47, the Series III had lost the wilds of its youth but gained the long-legged touring profile to which it was arguably better suited. Robert Bell in Motor was quoted as saying at the time that 'all we expected to try was a new engine, but what in fact we drove was a new car. Not a yowling, aggressive Ferrari-like machine with which, perhaps, most people associate a V12 engine, but a very smooth, quiet and refined grand touring sports car'.
Originally supplied by British Leyland, New York, in April 1974 where it had two owners before being returned to the UK in 1997 when it was converted to right hand drive. This automatic example of the Series III E-Type roadster is presented with gleaming red paintwork and black trim. Boasting a pampered garaged life over the past 26 years, since its sale in 1997 the car has had just one previous owner and in 2011 completed a full body restoration including new or refurbished chrome.
The engine was rebuilt alongside the brakes and suspension, a new radiator and cooling system was added, and carburettors rebuilt, all to full UK specification including yellow indicators, no side wing lights and correct chrome over-riders. New carpet adorns the interior, including the boot trim and the seat covers and roof were replaced in 1997 with little over 5,000 miles covered since. All five wheels have recently been refurbished by Tudor Wheels and shod in new Dunlop Sport tyres.
This matching numbers example boasts original features including original side sill weld spots, all original glass, original build stickers and identity plaque coupled to original spare wheel sound proofing. Supplied with a huge history file including a Heritage Certificate and nearly £30,000 of receipts including a recent service at a classic Jaguar specialist which included a new exhaust system, radiator and carburettor tune. The perfect combination of drivability and E-Type styling, this Series III is begging to be driven and enjoyed all while prices for Series III E-Types are on the rise.
 
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