Lot 24: 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Coupé

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 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, overhead-camshaft 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. As Autocar magazine remarked: ‘The model’s immense performance, its silky smoothness and its utter predictability are just some of the things which make for a driver’s car second to none.’
This 1972 E-Type Series III Coupé was acquired by the vendor in 1992, having already been restored by Wakefield’s (invoices available). Subsequent refurbishment has included overhauling the rear axle, brakes and suspension, which was undertaken by Thornton’s of Nottingham in 1993 (photographs and bills available) and replacing the headlining (in 1999). A desirable manual transmission model, this regularly serviced car has covered 137,000 miles from new and comes with all MoTs and tax discs dating back to 1992, Swansea V5 document and MoT to November 2006.