Lot 229: 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster

‘What is it that gives the (VI2) model its immense charm? First of all there is its tremendous performance... 0-60mph in 6.3secs, the standing quarter-mile in 14.9secs and 0-100mph in 16.4secs. This involved no fuss or preparation whatsoever; the 19,000-mile car was simply driven to MIRA, its tyres inflated... and the test-gear bolted on...’ - The Autocar.
Jaguar’s effortlessly powerful 5.3-litre V12-cylinder engine has proved itself over 20 years to be one of the very finest examples of automotive production engineering. The 272bhp light-alloy VI2, with its single overhead camshaft per cylinder bank, had revitalised the E-Type when first introduced in that model's Series III variant in 1971. The smooth, turbine-like power of this utterly outstanding engine – which had been created by those two legendary engineers Walter Hassan and Harry Mundy - once again made the E-Type a true 145mph motor car. Its performance outstripped that of the immediately preceding 4.2-litre XK six-cylinder model, which had become progressively strangled by the requirements of US Federal Emission Regulations. Acceleration of the new Series III E-Type was also superior to that of its six-cylinder predecessors. The model was offered in Roadster and 2+2 Coupé forms, with subtly revised and updated body forms (many of these changes being tailored to US Federal requirements) featuring chromium-plated radiator grilles and perforated disc wheels, chromed wire wheels being a popular option.
This particular right-hand drive Series III VI2 Roadster was extensively customised on behalf of an American rock band - ‘The Egyptians’ - over a two-year period in the early 1970s and on completion was an award winner at the Earls Court Customised Car Show in 1975. Painted to an exemplary standard, the artwork includes a night scene on the River Nile (on the bonnet underside) and an engine decorated with flowers, while the installation of a drinks bar behind the seats is a nice touch of showbusiness excess. The E-Type has been in the hands of collectors for the past 25 years, covering relatively few miles, and was acquired by the current owner on 26th May 1995 – his wedding day. Offered with sundry invoices, current MoT/road fund licence and Swansea V5, this car represents a wonderful opportunity for an individual or company with Egyptian/Middle Eastern connections to acquire a unique promotional vehicle. Not for the shy or retiring, it is a guaranteed talking point at any Jaguar gathering.