1972 JAGUAR E-TYPE S3 V12 2+2 FHC - 11,599 MILES

This Jaguar E-Type Series 3 2+2 is a fantastic example of the famed sports car’s final iteration, which remains in excellent condition with remarkably low mileage, and benefits from cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment. Under the bonnet is the 272bhp 5.3-litre V12, which drives the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates just 11,599 miles, which is well supported by the documentation on file.

Originally supplied by Loxhams Garages, Blackpool, this Series 3 E-Type was first registered in February 1973, and was kept by its first owner until August 1987, having covered 10,378 miles. It then changed hands three more times, and was acquired by the seller – a qualified mechanic – in June 2006. In 2007, he set about refurbishing the car, repainting a number of items and rebuilding its engine, as well as tending to the gearbox, brakes, suspension and ancillaries. The work was completed in the summer of 2020. 

Thanks in part to its current owner’s hard work and attention to detail, this E-Type’s famously beautiful bodywork is in great shape. It has never suffered from any prior accident damage, and retains unmarked original panels throughout and flush shut lines. The bright red paintwork is also in excellent condition, and the seller notes that the front and rear under-valances, both door sills, the front bulkhead, and the underside of the bonnet have been resprayed during their ownership. Elsewhere, the finish has received previous repainting in other areas, and presents well with only minor imperfections. 

The chrome front and rear bumpers are original to the car, and are in very good order, along with the other trim items including the front grille, trim strips and headlight bezels, while the door seals have been replaced to keep this classic Jaguar watertight. It rides on a set of 15-inch chromed steel wheels, which are fitted with the correct hub caps, and feature only a few minor imperfections. 

In the cabin, the car’s original upholstery and trim remain in situ, with only the cream headlining having been replaced. Clad in black leather with perforated centre sections, the seats wear their age well, with only minor creases on their surfaces and no rips, tears or signs of other damage. The dashboard is also in good order and the touchpoints including the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gloss black gear knob show few signs of wear. All of the car’s switches, gauges and electrical items are reported to work without fault, and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard. 

Having been extensively refurbished, this E-Type’s mechanical components are in excellent order, and the car runs and drives particularly well. Its most recent routine maintenance was conducted in January 2021 at 11,470 miles, when the vendor changed the engine oil and oil filter, as well as carrying out a general inspection. 

Prior to this, they fully rebuilt the smooth-running V12, replacing the crank bearings, oil pump, piston rings and crank seal, as well as fitting an upgraded radiator and cleaning and detailing the gearbox, which was fitted with new seals. It is also equipped with an SNG Barratt upgraded ignition system. Furthermore, the clutch was replaced and the front and rear brake callipers have been replated and fitted with stainless steel pistons, while the differential seals and hub seal bearing have been replaced and new rubber subframe mounts have been fitted. 

In addition, the seller has installed a full stainless-steel exhaust system, along with a set of four uprated manifolds. Now in superb running order, the car is entirely standard, save for the fitment of a vacuum booster which provides a lighter clutch operation; however, this can be easily removed if the next owner prefers a more involving drive. 

Exempt due to its age, this E-type has not recently been put in for its National Car Test in Ireland, but is in good mechanical order per the work listed above. The vendor states that all four of its Pirelli P4000 tyres are in as-new condition, having only covered around 850 miles. They were purchased in 2007, but the car was taken off the road in the same year. While removed from the car, they were deflated to remove any unnecessary pressure load, and there are no cracks or perishing. 

This charming classic will be accompanied by all of its original documents, including its operating, maintenance and service handbook, radio instructions and service book. The seller is also including a number of past MOT test certificates and two keys. A printed summary of the car’s history, as shown in the gallery, provides an solid record of the mileage to date. A spare wheel is also present, as shown in the gallery, and is unused.

This Jaguar E-Type Series 3 2+2 is an elegant classic cruiser, which offers luxury and refinement thanks to its smooth and powerful 5.3-litre V12 engine. Maintained and extensively refurbished by its mechanic owner, this highly original example also boasts exceptionally low mileage. It will be a credit to any collection of British classics, and is also ready to cover many more miles in the hands of its next owner, should they so desire. 

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. 

As this vehicle is not currently UK-registered, it cannot be run through Collecting Cars’ standard online HPI check process.