"The Jaguar E-Type was 10 years old and needed new life. History repeated itself and it was a huge success when Jaguar debuted its robust new engine in a sports car instead of the sedan for which it was designed. Despite its sports car heritage, Jaguar depended on saloons for its survival and had developed its twelve cylinder engines 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, although it outweighed the six by less than 75lbs, it still tipped the scales at almost 700lbs. Jaguar rated it at 272bhp in Europe and 250bhp at 6000rpm in America. The new engine fitted in the same bay as the six, but for better 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 other changes. Larger, softer in nature, 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 they all expected to try a new engine. What in fact they 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.
This lovely example of these sought after British sports cars is presented in the period colour of Heather with black leather seats and red carpets. It has had six former keepers and has been garaged since the present owner purchased the car in 2007. The car also comes with its original factory hard top and has the desirable manual transmission. The owner has retained the original wire wheels and he reports that the hood is in good condition. A great opportunity to own one of the true greats of British motoring history."