1972 Jaguar E Type Series III 2+2

The Jaguar E-Type Series 3, produced from 1971 to 1974, is the final and most advanced version of the iconic British sports car. It features a 5.3-litre V12 engine, generating around 272 horsepower, allowing for a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph. This powerful engine marked a significant upgrade from the earlier inline-six engines. 

The Series 3 came in two body styles: a roadster (convertible) and, this particular model, a 2+2 coupé, featuring a longer wheelbase, wider track, and flared wheel arches. The front grille was larger, and the car had a distinctive V12 badge.

While sometimes overshadowed by earlier E-Types, the Series III is celebrated for its powerful V12 engine, refined design, and enhanced features, marking a significant chapter in sports car history. This lovely example has been subject to an extensive restoration, which was stalled in the late 1990s and restarted in 2018 by the vendor in memory of his uncle (the previous keeper), who sadly passed away before completing his dream of restoring this British classic.

The vendor commissioned Bridge Classic Cars, Suffolk, to carry out the restoration, which was completed in 2020, just before the lockdowns (remember those? They seem so long ago). The E Type is reported to have only covered 1,093 miles since then, meaning it is pretty much just run-in and ready to be enjoyed.

We think you'll agree you will be hard pushed to find anyone who doesn’t like the look of the E Type coupé; not only a stunning shape but the colour choice for this E Type looks superb.

Finished in Opalescent Silver Blue, the paintwork is excellent. It was repainted several years ago when the restoration was stalled.

From the front of the car, apart from a couple of stone chips here and there, the chrome bumpers, grille and headlight surrounds are in good condition (maybe some small imperfections if we're really critical). The headlights and indicators are too, and the bonnet fits like it should, with an equal gap against the scuttle panel. The curved windscreen has no noticeable scratches or chips, and the seal has no signs of perishing.

Looking down the long flanks, the flared wheel arches introduced on the Series III add to the shape and give the E Type a wider appearance on the road. The door gaps are excellent on both sides, and the windows are all in good condition, as are the chrome window trims and surrounds.

Around to the rear, which is probably one of the most recognised rear ends mainly because of the iconic quad tailpipe design. The light lenses are free from any splits or cracks, the chrome work has a bright tarnish-free finish, and the badges are in place, all of which are in good condition. The boot lid opens as you would expect and sits well within its aperture.

Fitted with a set of chrome wire wheels, these are in excellent condition with no signs of tarnishing. The tyres are a set of period-looking 205/70/R15 Pirelli, which are in like-new condition, having only covered just over 1,000 miles.

What a lovely colour choice to complement the exterior. The inside has been finished in Cinnamon leather and is in excellent condition. The seats are superb as they have only been sat upon for 1,098 miles. Both door cards are generally in good order. However, there is some cracking to the armrests on both sides, and the metal trim on the driver's side does have a couple of small dings in it.

Sitting behind the wheel, the dashboard is in good condition with no signs of damage. All of the instruments look good, and the odometer shows a reading of 1,098 miles. The switchgear works correctly and the lettering below the switches is legible with minimal signs of wear. Moving down the centre console, there is a period-looking head unit, which has some modern features. There are some minor scratches to the left of the gear lever, and just behind is a nice tribute to the vendor's uncle in the way of a memorial plaque.

The headlining has no issues and sits nicely against the roof. Matching the seats, the Cinnamon coloured carpets are in excellent condition, as you would expect for very little mileage covered. Inside, the boot is trimmed in matching seat leather with no signs of any scuffs.

The engine bay presents beautifully and is fitted with what's possibly the ultimate engine for the Jaguar E Type, the 5.3-litre V12. This has been fully rebuilt during the restoration and runs as it should, with no issues reported. You will see from the photographs there is an aluminium radiator fitted with twin electric fans, ensuring the V12 stays nice and cool. 

The gearbox and differential were also overhauled, so there are no issues with selecting gears from the four-speed gearbox. The E Type pulls strongly through the range with no hesitation.

Out on the road, being a grand tourer, the car soaks up the road to give a smooth and comfortable ride with no untoward noises coming from the suspension components. The brakes work as they should, bringing the E Type to a halt in a straight line.

On the underside, the wheel arches and floor area are very clean, with just a small amount of surface rust on parts of the floor area, which could be easily treated and recoated.

17/06/2024: After a viewing this morning we have noticed an oil leak that we are told could be due to the wrong dipstick being with the vehicle therefore having been overfilled. We thoroughly encourage the final buyer to have this inspected before being driven any substantial distance. 

What started as a DIY restoration in the late 1990s was unfortunately never finished by the vendor's late uncle. It was some 20 years later when the vendor decided to take over the restoration and commissioned Bridge Classic Cars, Suffolk, to carry out the remainder of the work, bringing this 1972 classic back to life from what was mainly a body shell and a pile of parts. 

With in excess of £100,000 worth of invoices, the car is said to have been completely rebuilt to an extremely high standard. 

The vendor confirms the engine, gearbox and chassis numbers are matching (see the photo gallery). He also mentions that prior to the car being taken apart in the late 1990s, the mileage was somewhere in the region of 50,000 miles. Since its completion in 2020, just 1,093 miles have been covered.

Recently, the car has been given a full service and checkover by Bridge Classic Cars ensuring it is ready to go to its new home.

The Series III E Type V12 2+2 is quite possibly the ultimate grand tourer, and this particular 1972 example ticks all the boxes. A full restoration was completed in 2020 with over £100,000 worth of invoices; the exterior and interior colour combination are superb; it has the desirable 5.3-litre V12, and just 1,093 miles have been covered since its completion.

We estimate this lovely 1972 E Type Series III 2+2 V12 to fetch in the region of £40,000 - £50,000, which is a snip at what it cost to present it in this condition.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 10am-4pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.