Lot 42: Jaguar E-Type Series III Roadster

Although it was common knowledge as early as 1968 that Jaguar had a new V12 engine under development, it was not until 1971, with the announcement of the Series III E-Type, that this engine was to go into production.  The new unit displaced 5.3-litres and a power output of 272bhp ensured great swathes of torque and meant that the E-Type's performance was still very much in the supercar category.  Various detailed bodywork changes also took place  the most noticeable being the flared wheel arches to accommodate the larger tyres and the enlarged air-intake grille.A left-hand-drive example of the Series III Roadster, this car was first registered in France where it was to remain until 1977, when it came to reside in the UK.  Clearly extremely well cared for over the years, it has the favoured manual gearbox and remains essentially unrestored and to original specification, with the odometer reading just 54,450 kms at time of writing (just over 34,000 miles).  The red coachwork is extremely smart and all brightwork, including the wheel embellishers, are very good.  The cloth hood is a replacement item while the black leather upholstery remains in pleasing original order.  A tonneau cover is also included.  As one would expect with so little mileage covered, the car is reported as being good throughout mechanically with the engine understood to have been overhauled just over 4,000 miles ago.  The exhaust system has been replaced in recent years whilst the front brakes received attention during 2006.