The E-Type, or XK-E as it was known in the USA, made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show of 1961. From birth, the car was available either as a Fixed Head Coupe or two-seat Roadster. The engine size was increased from 3.8 to 4.2-litres in October 1964. For 1966, a 2+2 version of the Coupe was added to the range. It was 9 inches longer and featured a more vertical windscreen. What are known as the Series 3 cars were introduced in 1971. With the exception of a handful of now very rare examples, they were all fitted with a new 5.3-litre V12 engine. The original (short) wheelbase was discontinued and the revised car offered only as a Roadster (now based on the longer 2+2 floorpan) or 2+2 Coupe. Production of the Series 3 cars continued until the entire model range was superseded by the XJS in 1975; by which time some 15,000 V12-engined cars had been produced - most of which were exported to North America. The Series 3 cars are readily identified from their predecessors by the large cross-slatted radiator grille, flared wheel arches and V12 badge on the rear.

According to its accompanying Heritage Certificate, 'MCU 362K' departed the production line on March 23, 1972. A lefthand drive export model, it was despatched to British Leyland New York on May 2. Little is known of its subsequent history, other than it has recently benefited from a repaint in its original colour of Silver. Very well presented, this relatively rare manual gearbox V12 is now being offered complete with MOT valid to October 5 and is described by the vendor to have 'excellent' interior trim, bodywork, paintwork, engine and manual transmission.

PLEASE NOTE: All estimates are subject to a buyer's premium of 15% incl. VAT (@ 20%)