Lot 232: 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series III 6.0-Litre V12 Roadster

After many years of E-Type ownership, the vendor of this unique Series III found that although the car’s charm was undiminished, its defects were beginning to niggle. Rather than updating his existing example, an export bodyshell was acquired and stripped down, sand blasted and repaired as required, the intention being to create a modernised version of this iconic sports car. In order to stiffen the chassis, an extra skin was added between the sills and the floor pan, a full roll cage with twin hoops fitted and further incidental strengthening carried out. The result is a monocoque with much greater resistance to flexing, resulting in more precise handling
The suspension was up-rated with stiffer torsion bars at the front and stiffer coil springs at the rear, coupled in each case with Koni shock absorbers, while the brakes were improved by the substitution of XJ-S equipment. Wheel size was increased to 17” in diameter and the rim width to 8”, resulting in an unchanged rolling circumference when shod with low profile Avon tyres. These alterations have produced an altogether more modern vehicle, which brakes and corners substantially better than the original.
The chassis having been sorted out, a suitable power plant was sourced from a Jaguar XJ-S. The 6.0-litre XJ-S engine is a big improvement over the E-Type’s 5.3-litre V12, benefiting as it does from fuel injection and a Zytek engine management system; starting is much easier and fuel economy significantly improved, notwithstanding the increased engine size. Rebuilt with gas flowed cylinder heads, this noticeably more powerful and torquier engine was mated to a BMW five-speed gearbox.
Having always been a fan of the original Series 1 E-Type with its enclosed headlights, the vendor decided to have Series 1 headlight glasses grafted onto the Series III bonnet, while the unexciting standard radiator grille was substituted for stainless steel mesh. Improvements to the interior included replacing the original plastic dashboard with walnut and extending each seat with the addition of an integral headrest. The hood has been re-trimmed and fits well.
Finished in black, the end result is a car that draws admiring glances, being both striking and slightly different, yet is unmistakably an E-Type. We are advised that since completion in 2005 it has probably covered not more than 3,000 miles, the indicated total mileage being under 50,000. The car is offered with MoT to May 2008 and Swansea V5 document, while restoration invoices are available upon request. (It should be noted that the registration mark ‘303 MMC’ is being retained by the vendor). For those wishing to own a V12 E-Type retaining all the charm and character of the original, yet benefiting from enhanced performance courtesy of more modern technology, this unique vehicle is ideal.