1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster

Registration no. DBY 737M Chassis no. 1S2566

Footnotes

*Only circa 17,000 miles from new
*Original condition
*Recent refurbishment by Twyford Moors
*Well documented
*Heritage Certificate

"The V12 E-Type was at its best as a long-distance, high-speed tourer. There were few cars which could match its top speed and 120/130mph cruising ability, even amongst the exotica from Italy, and none at all the silence and smoothness of its engine." – Paul Skilleter, The Jaguar E-Type.

One consequence of the E-Type's long process of development had been a gradual increase in weight, but a good measure of the concomitant loss of performance was restored in 1971 with the arrival of what would be the final version - the Series III V12. Weighing only 80lb more than the cast-iron-block 4.2-litre XK six, the new all-alloy, 5.3-litre, overhead-camshaft V12 produced 272bhp, an output good enough for a top speed comfortably in excess of 140mph. Further good news was that the 0-100mph time of around 16 seconds made the V12 the fastest-accelerating E-Type ever.

Other mechanical changes beneath the Series III's more aggressive looking exterior included ventilated front disc brakes, anti-dive front suspension, Lucas transistorised ignition and Adwest power-assisted steering, while automatic transmission was one of the more popular options on what was now more of a luxury Grand Tourer than out-and-out sports car. Flared wheelarches, a deeper radiator air intake complete with grille, and a four-pipe exhaust system distinguished the Series III from its six-cylinder forbears, plus, of course, that all-important 'V12' boot badge. The interior though, remained traditional Jaguar.

Built in two-seat roadster and '2+2' coupé versions, both of which used the long-wheelbase floorpan introduced on the Series II '2+2', the Series III E-Type continued the Jaguar tradition of offering a level of performance and luxury unrivalled at the price.

First registered in June 1974, this immaculate Series III E-Type has covered only some 17,000 miles from new. This exceptional car comes with full supporting documentation including most MoT certificates dating back to 1978 and a letter written that year certifying the mileage of only 450. The accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms matching numbers. The car's Carmen Red paintwork is stunning and the biscuit leather interior is in beautiful condition. Last year Jaguar specialists Twyford Moors replaced the manifolds and carried out various other works at a cost of £5,000. Equipped with the desirable manual transmission and rolling on spotless chrome wire wheels, 'DBY 737M' is ready to contest any concours and sure to delight the fortunate next owner.