1972 Jaguar E Type Series 3

Manufactured on the 3.8.72, this majestic-looking black E Type was in the same family ownership from 1981 until very recently.

Always garaged and kept warm and dry, the car has covered very few miles in recent years.

The mileage in 2009 was 63,546.

Today it is 63,664.

We have driven it and know that it starts on the button and exhibits good oil pressure.

But its lack of use means that it would certainly thank its next owner for a service.

It feels in need of some expert tuning, fettling and sorting in order to get it into an optimal mechanical state.

We would also say that the brakes need to be properly balanced and the steering needs some attention, too, as the wheel is not currently centred and feels a tad wobbly.

The bodywork is straight, true and free of any meaningful dents, bumps, dinks or creases of note.

The shut lines on the doors and bonnet are very good, as are the often troublesome bonnet hinges.

Everything closes flush with the surrounding bodywork, and the doors press home with satisfying weight and precision.

The chrome-work is broadly reasonable, particularly on the chromed wire wheels, but there is some foxing and pitting on the bumpers and the window surrounds.

The Dunlop SP Sport tyres have plenty of tread left on them but we suspect they may be rather long in the tooth.

The Webasto vinyl sunroof opens and closes as it should and is free of any holes, splits or tears, but there is some bubbling under the vinyl on the leading edge.

The paintwork is good in parts, less so in others, and needs some attention elsewhere.

The car left the factory painted white, and assumed its current black guise in 1975, according to the HPI report.

While there are some scratches, scuffs and stone chips to be found on most panels, the overall presentation is really quite good from a few metres away.

Get a little closer and your attention will be drawn to several outbreaks of bubbling and blistering on the tailgate, some patches of tarnished paint and surface rust on the bonnet louvres, a sizeable paint chip on the o/s/r wing below the bumper, and some rust on the metal uprights inside the front grille.

There are also some splits to the paint on the front valance and some rust on the chromed tail pipe ‘fan’.

The interior was refurbished in a vibrant shade of red in 2009.

It has endured the passage of time since then with no real signs of wear – which is hardly surprising when you remember that it’s barely troubled the odometer in the last 15 years.

The red upholstery is free of any creases or other indicators of age or use, and is as good in the rear luggage bay and on the door cards as it is on the seats - front and back.

The roof lining, although in good condition, is a trifle baggy and loose at the edges of the Webasto roof.

There are splits to the black vinyl dashboard cover and top roll in several places, the glove compartment handle is detached at one end, and some of the switches and toggles feel a little loose.

Lifting up the carpets and mats reveals solid-looking floors.

Lifting up the floor of the luggage bay reveals a spare wheel.

The tail gate stay is a little bent out of shape, the radio fascia is missing, there is some foxing on the chromed handbrake lever, and we noticed that the interior lights seem a little unpredictable in whether they fancy being on or off.

The very small aftermarket steering wheel may well be something you chose to replace with a more authentic item.

The big V12 under the bonnet looks to be entirely present and correct, with everything in its right and proper place.

Which is as it should be on an engine that’s yet to pass the 64,000-mile mark.

The undersides look reassuringly free of anything unpleasant, too, and we’ve seen nothing to raise an eyebrow or prompt a tut.

Clearly, you’ll want to take a look and reach your own conclusion.

This car comes with plenty of invoices, receipts and bills going back to 2006, with service receipts up to 2015.

We understand from the paperwork within the history file that some £20K or so was spent on parts (mainly from Martin Robey) and trim materials in 2008/9, at which time the car also received new upholstery, carpets and headlining through P.J. Sparky of Plumstead.

It comes with a set of keys, a recent HPI report, various old MoT certificates, and a V5C.

Aside from the need for some basic fettling and tuning to the engine, brakes and mechanicals, this car just needs someone to address a few fairly straightforward cosmetic issues.

The car seems to us to be fundamentally sound structurally, as far as we can tell, and should reward its next owner with many years of enviably classy, V12 motoring.

Just how much of its considerable former glory you’d like to restore is, of course, entirely down to you, your enthusiasm, your diary and your wallet.

Decisions, decisions…

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £34,000 - £38,000.

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’.