Lot 130: 1972 Jaguar V12 E Type Roadster

The production of the famous Jaguar V12 engine had been on the table since the sixties and continual development of the project saw a four cam version fitted to the still born but infamous XJ13 race car project. By 1971 Jaguar had announced the introduction of its new E Type fitted with a single cam per cylinder bank V12 engine. Replacing the old 4.2 litre unit was not going to be easy, for you must remember that this engine had been the main stay of the E Type since 1964 and had featured in saloon models as well. It was a powerful, durable and most of all reliable unit. However this new engine grafted into the re styled body of the series 3 E Type became an instant success. Performance was brisk with 152mph top speed and 0-60 in 6.5 seconds the 5.3 litre producing 272bhp at 5,850rpm and 3041b.ft at 3,600rpm, it was also incredibly refined and flexible and it is still regarded as one of the finest ever production engines. The Series 3 E-Type also boasted improved grip courtesy of wider wheels and tyres, anti-dive front suspension, ventilated front disc brakes and an 18 gallon fuel tank. The fuel crisis of the mid 1970's effectively halted the cars success in period, but during the boom of the late 1980's these cars enjoyed the opposite with prices nearing 100,000 for well presented Roadsters.This UK delivered car from 1972, finished in Old English white with a Navy blue leather interior is described by the current owner of the last 14 years as in generally good condition. Since his ownership the service history has been maintained and the car has had fitted 4 new exhaust manifolds and a stainless steel sports exhaust, while the electrics have been replaced and the carburettors fully overhauled. Supplied with an MoT September 2005 and road fund license until February 2006, it has the more desirable manual gearbox and original steel wheels.