1974 | Jaguar E-Type V12

The Jaguar E-Type was ten 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 saloon for which it was designed. Despite its sports-car heritage, Jaguar depended on saloon vehicles for its survival and had developed its twelve-cylinder engine to power them with sufficient torque and refinement. Larger and 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, but 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.

Originally registered on 6th March 1974 this E-type has been with the same registered keeper for some 33 years. It has been dry stored for the last 12 years although the engine was run regularly. Recent work includes recommissioning the car and fitting a new hood. A full service was carried out and new hoses fitted. This Series III Roadster runs and drives extremely well, as such a low mileage example should. Finished in the delightful colour combination of Azure Blue with biscuit leather interior and matching carpets. Shod with excellent tyres and sitting proudly on its chrome pressed steel wheels, this E-Type is a splendid example of a classic British design. Driving in a manner commensurate with such a low mileage example this Jaguar is supplied with a V5 registration and a good history folder. This classically dynamic design is still a head turner. Consigned by Stewart Banks.