1971 | Jaguar E-Type V12 (2+2)

This Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 FHC is a fabulous find, it's a desirable manual transmission car, supplied new in the UK with its original bill of sale still present, original colours and has covered just 52000 miles from new. CNX 468J was supplied new by Henlys (Coventry) Ltd, invoiced on the 13th May 1971 to Elisha Mander Limited in Sutton Coldfield. The Series III V12 was supplied new in Light Blue with Dark Blue leather and charged out including collection charges and road fund license at £3503.03. The original buff log book is present confirming the car changed hands for the first time in 1976, staying in Sutton Coldfield and six years later the E-Type sold to a Doctor, still in Sutton Coldfield. MOT certificates dating back to 1976 are also with the E-Type, mileage recorded at 5 years old was 32304 miles. A handwritten letter confirms that during the early 1970's the owner ran a big end bearing and Jaguar fitted a brand new engine free of charge at around 16000 miles. Interestingly, the letter also confirms the E-Type was being serviced by the Jaguar Works service department during its early life.

CNX 468J has never required a major restoration and original cars like this are difficult to find. There is just something special about a car that has never been taken apart before and whilst it has signs age and bodywork blemishes here and there, it is a very solid car with an excellent underside. The E-Type has been maintained well right throughout its life, a huge file of invoices accompanies the car and its clear its been maintained with no expense spared. This V12 drives just right, the engine is outstanding and has only covered 35000 since being supplied and fitted new by Jaguar in the early 1970's, the manual transmission is slick with perfect changes, the power steering ensures the car is effortless to drive and the Series III handles superbly and is absolutely on the button, and ready to go. We can trace exactly where this E-Type has spent its cherished life, having spent its early years in the West Midlands, by 1988 the car was in Ruislip, Middlesex before making its way over to Essex in 1995 where it was until September 2019. We collected the E-Type in Maldon, Essex and quickly sold the car to a local regular customer. Since the late 1990's the car has been maintained by one Essex based specialist and the most significant invoice relates to around 3500 miles back when the rear subframe assembly was removed and the rear brakes completely overhauled.

This manual V12 presents well but isn't without its imperfections. It is clear the car has been re-painted in its original Light Blue at some stage and it retains an older, but decent finsih throughout. The body is excellent, it has good gaps, quality straight panels and the underside is structurally excellent, as is the bonnet and spare wheel well. The chrome work is of a good standard and the interior has nicely aged with so much originality. The leather is totally original and has lovely patina, the gauges and dials are all original, in excellent condition and door cards, carpets and headlining are all in nice condition. This is such a genuine, honest car, its ready to drive and enjoy and whilst it has covered ultra-low mileage from new, it has been in regular annual use as proven by 34 MOT certificates with the car. Original, low mileage manual V12's with history dating back to new do not come available very often, this is a rare, special find and a car to be enjoyed.