Lot 217: 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster

‘The V12 E-Type was at its best as a long-distance, high-speed tourer. There were few cars which could match its top speed and 120/130mph cruising ability, even amongst the exotica from Italy, and none at all the silence and smoothness of its engine.’ – Paul Skilleter, The Jaguar E-Type.
One consequence of the E-Type’s long process of development had been a gradual increase in weight, but a good measure of the concomitant loss of performance was restored in 1971 with the arrival of what would be the final version – the Series III V12. Weighing only 80lb more than the cast-iron-block, 4.2-litre XK six, the new all-alloy, 5.3-litre V12 produced 272bhp, an output good enough for a top speed in excess of 140mph. Further good news was that the 0-100mph time of around 16 seconds made the V12 the fastest-accelerating E-Type ever. Beneath the skin, ventilated front discs improved braking power and the front suspension gained anti-dive geometry. Lucas transistorised ignition and Adwest power-assisted steering were now standard, while automatic transmission was one of the more popular options on what was now more of a luxury Grand Tourer than out-and-out sports car. Flared wheelarches, a deeper radiator air intake complete with grille, and a four-pipe exhaust system distinguished the Series III from its six-cylinder forbears, plus, of course, that all-important ‘V12’ boot badge. The interior though, remained traditional Jaguar.
Finished in Azure Blue with Cinnamon leather upholstery, this original, right-hand drive Series III Roadster was manufactured for the UK market and spent its early years in the South of England before being purchased by a marine engineer living in the North East in 1983. The car remained in his ownership for 12 years before passing to another engineer in the same locality who owned it for a further 10 years. The current owner acquired the E-Type in 2005. Presented in good/excellent condition, the car has covered a genuine 51,700 miles from new, as verified by accompanying expired MoT certificates, and is offered with Jaguar Heritage Certificate, old-style logbook, current road fund licence, MoT to July 2009 and Swansea V5 registration document.