1972 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 3 V12 2+2 FHC

This 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 is a well-preserved example of the 2+2 coupe, offered from 46-year ownership, which has been driven sparingly in recent years but kept in good mechanical order. Under the bonnet sits a 5.3-litre V12 engine producing up to 272bhp, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates 78,200 miles, and it is described as a rolling restoration project in need of cosmetic attention.

First registered in May 1973, this original right-hand drive E-Type is understood to have had just one previous owner, who only kept the car for a year, as it was acquired by its current owner in 1974, who has therefore cherished it for nearly 50 years.

The sculpted bodywork of this E-Type is in fair condition, having never been subject to a total restoration. There is now some evident rust that requires attention, most noticeably to the bottoms of the doors, and underneath the wings behind the rear wheels. A small dent is also present just above the front grille. Some small cracks, bubbles, and micro-blisters are visible in the bright blue paint elsewhere, but it appears to be a good candidate for cosmetic refurbishment. The car still rides on its original steel wheels, which have no visible damage to the rims, so would now benefit from being stripped and re-chromed.

Moving inside, the tan vinyl upholstery with perforated centre panels is believed to be original, and is still in good condition. There is small tear in the driver’s seat base, as well as on the section between the rear seats, but otherwise it is simply showing signs of use with some discolouration. The roof lining and door cards show very little wear, while the main contact points now have a smart patinated appearance. All of the rocker switches and toggles are present and correct, and there is a full complement of Smiths instrument gauges. The only aftermarket addition is a more contemporary Panasonic radio and cassette stereo system.

The car is fitted with a sunroof, though it is currently inoperative. The vendor reports that it was working fine not long ago, and he believes it is nothing more than a relay issue causing the fault.

During summer 2020, the car received a full brake upgrade and overhaul at a cost of £2,442, and had a new and improved ignition system installed at a further cost of £972. A petrol leak was attended to, and the carburettor seals were replaced, and the vendor reports that the car is running and driving well. The car has only been used sparingly in recent years, though routine mechanical maintenance and consumable replacements were carried out as required.

The car is exempt from mandatory annual MOT testing as well as road tax. Nonetheless, it did have an MOT test on 7 September 2017 at 77,802 miles, which resulted in a pass with three advisories to monitor a minor exhaust leak, some slight play in the nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint and some corrosion on the nearside front of the body.

The wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P4000 SuperTouring tyres all round, in the correct fitment of 205/70 R15, which the vendor reports remain in good condition. Accompanying the vehicle is the original owner’s manual and service book, alongside an Autobooks workshop manual.

This Jaguar E-Type Series 3 is an elegant 2+2 coupe, which has been enjoyed by one owner for the last 46 years. With its powerful V12 and manual transmission, it is certainly the driver’s choice, and ultimately this car could be enjoyed on the road as-is. Today, it is undoubtedly ripe for restoration, needing attention to its bodywork and paint, but running and driving well. It is perhaps an ideal project for 2021, ready to reveal in a refurbished state when it celebrates its 50th birthday in 2022.

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