1973 Jaguar E-type Series III V12 Roadster

• Delivered new to the USA
• Converted from left- to right-hand drive
• Converted from automatic to manual transmission
• Requires re-commissioning

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 3' 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. Built in two-seat roadster and 2+2 coupé versions, both of which used the long-wheelbase floor pan introduced on the Series 2 2+2, the Series 3 E-Type continued the Jaguar tradition of offering a level of performance and luxury unrivalled at the price.
According to the accompanying Heritage Certificate, this Series 3 E-Type roadster was originally finished in Fern Grey with Moss Green interior and despatched to British Leyland, New York on 26th April 1973. Manufactured with left-hand drive and automatic transmission, it has since been converted to right-hand drive and fitted with a V12-model manual gearbox, though it is not known who carried out this work and when (see below). Also on file is a copy old-style Californian registration document showing that the car belonged to a Mr Otis Sangster in 1978. Other accompanying paperwork confirms the E-Type returned to the UK in 1989 having been purchased from Auto Toy Store of Fort Lauderdale, Florida by a Mr Wyatt of Wiltshire.
In 1991 the car belonged to a Mr Hutchinson of Dorset and then in 1993 to a Mr Kaye of South Yorkshire. The history file contains correspondence relating to the above together with a number of old MoT certificates. The current vendor purchased the E-Type in 2011. Invoices on file include one from AJS Engineering for overhauling a differential (serial number 3085) in 2012 and another for re-coring a Jaguar E-type radiator in 2013. Also on file are various other minor invoices for parts; a UK V5C document; and assorted E-type-related articles including a Jaguar E-type V12 road test reprinted from Motor magazine's November 1972 edition.
Now finished in red with black interior, the car has clearly been subject to a repaint and restoration works since its last noted sighting at Techno-Classica Essen in 2009 when the car was still left-hand drive and automatic finished in Fern Grey. There are no invoices for these works on file. The E-Type will require recommissioning before returning to the road having been stored for a number of years, and thus is sold strictly as viewed.