1971 Jaguar E Type S3 Roadster

Our eye-catching example represents somewhat of a holy-grail car in E Type terms. It’s a right-hand drive, UK supplied OTS with a manual transmission. Its chassis number reveals it to be just the 23rd SIII right hand drive OTS to leave Browns Lane. This E-Type left the factory in September 1971 and was supplied to distributors Henlys of London. Factory records confirm it left Browns Lane in a dark blue livery with a black leather interior.

In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s a thorough restoration was undertaken by the then owner. By that time the E Type was presenting in white, and it was returned to its factory Dark Blue hue at that point. The interior was retrimmed in red hides in 1990 and numerous other bodywork and mechanical improvements were made with the whole restoration amounting to around £70,000 in 1990 values!

The current owner acquired the E Type at a Bonhams Cars Online auction towards the end of 2024 to become the 12th keeper to date. With a lack of use being the main motivator, this fine E Type is now ready for its next lucky keeper.

Our example effectively showcases the signature features of the E Type’s final iteration. The wide, cross-slatted grill, the subtly flared wheel arches and that sublime quad “fantail” exhaust tail pipe – they are all here and in a fine condition too. For those in any doubt as to what they are following, there is a big chrome “V12” emblem affixed to the elegantly sloping boot lid.

Given this paintwork dates back to 1990 it is, of course, not without some issues. These include some minor scratches and swirls, some slight damage to the centre of the bonnet, paint bubbles in some places, and areas of touch up and stone chips to the lower panels. Our photographer has captured the majority of these for your review, but we encourage interested parties to arrange to view the E Type by arrangement if in any doubt.

A blue fabric hood is fitted to the E Type which appears to be in good condition with just the usual fold marks noted. The plexiglass rear window appears clear and free from cracks or opaque folds. A black tonneau cover is included to enclose and neaten the hood and its mechanism, once stowed. Our operations team reports that the hood frame may well require repair or replacement as it is corroded to the point of fragility.

The chromed wire wheels appear to be in excellent condition all round with no significant areas of imperfection noted but just some surface corrosion to some of the spokes. These are affixed with twin eared spinners and the 15-inch wheels are shod with Pirelli P4000 “Super Touring,” radial type tyres in a period-correct 205/70 configuration.

Like the exterior livery, the interior trim dates to around 1990. At that time the original black substrate was replaced with the current perforated red leather. These are finished with vertical box pleats with matching headrests. The condition seems good overall with a few signs or wear and tear present. These include some tears to the door card leather and some minor damage to the back of the seats.

The vibrant red carpets appear to be in reasonable fettle with some signs of use related ware. A carpeted rear luggage shelf can be accessed via the forward folding seats. No less than 10 clearly labelled rocker switches are arranged across the centre panel and seven, white on black Smiths gauges keep you appraised of the car’s mechanical status. An original specification three spoke alloy steering wheel is also present. A contemporary head unit is fitted, and the usefully sized boot is fitted with a light tan coloured vinyl mat and matching side panels.

Of course, a key facet of the automotive theatre that comes free with every E Type lurks under the long and curvy bonnet. Representing the first mass produced V12 engine fitted to a road car, the engine was to become a real USP for the Series III. It was a triumph of engineering, boasting twice the number of pistons of its predecessors’ 4.2 litre unit yet weighing a mere 39 kgs more. It was powerful, of course, but perhaps more importantly it endowed the Series III with a tractability that almost rendered the four-speed manual gearbox superfluous. It is this flexibility and drivability that seems most often commented on by those lucky enough to pilot the V12 E Type.

During the earlier restoration, much mechanical work was attended to. This included attention to the engine, gearbox, clutch, steering, brakes and suspension. With only around 40,000 miles covered since, the mechanical maintenance has been diligently attended to leaving this E Type in rude mechanical health.

Lifting that big clamshell bonnet reveals a nicely presented V12 with a high degree of originality. The underside appears heavily undersealed with no obvious signs of leaks, deformation or significant visible corrosion.

There is a great level of confidence building, provenance providing paperwork included with the car. Our photographic package includes over 100 images of documents and paperwork from across the car’s history. Foremost these include the current V5 registration document in the name of the current owner. Despite the car’s status as a Historic Vehicle, it holds a valid MoT until October 2025. A hard copy of this is also on hand and accompanied by many earlier MoTs.

The bulk of the remainder of the archive consists of numerous invoices for work undertaken. These seem to start with numerous items documenting that 1990 restoration and are accompanied by many others spanning the years since then. These run right up to several dating from as recently as 2024. Other highlights include an original V12 E Type owners’ manual, a Heritage Certificate and a photograph album containing a pictorial record of the 1989/90 restoration.

Whilst there are plenty of E Types around still, original right hand drive, UK supplied, manual V12 examples are considerably harder to find especially in a decent, predominantly original condition.

This example emphatically ticks that box and more besides. The earlier restoration was a big one and that has stood the E Type in very good stead. The extensive and diligently documented maintenance history only serves to provide further reassurance to the next owner. Here’s your fleeting chance to ensure that next lucky owner is you.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £40,000 - £50,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.