1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 2+2 Coupé

• Three owners from new
• Present ownership since 2012
• Believed to be circa 39,500 miles from new
• Well maintained
• Manual transmission

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.

Other mechanical changes beneath the Series 3'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 3 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 floor pan introduced on the Series II 2+2, the Series 3 E-Type continued the Jaguar tradition of offering a level of performance and luxury unrivalled at the price.

A manual transmission model manufactured in September 1971, 'KDA 990K' was originally finished in light blue with dark blue trim. Sold new to Andrew W Tipper of Walter Tipper Ltd in Lichfield, the E-Type had enjoyed only one registered keeper (assumed to be the aforementioned Mr Tipper) and was showing a mere 33,300 miles when the previous (second) owner purchased it at a UK auction in 2009. Maintained from new by Central Garage in Lichfield, Staffordshire, the E-Type was said to have been kept in a heated garage and was described as totally original and 'never painted, welded or restored in any significant way'. Central Garage's letter confirming the mileage is on file. The current odometer reading is 39,500 miles.

In April 2008 the E-Type was sent to Jaguar specialists XK Engineering in Coventry for a thorough overhaul in preparation for more frequent use. These works included replacing all the usual items that deteriorate over time (rubber hoses, bushes, mountings, etc) and a full overhaul of the braking system. XK Engineering were quoted as saying they had 'rarely seen a better, more original example'.

The current (third) owner purchased the E-Type in March 2012. Accompanying documentation consists of a copy JDHT Certificate; old/current V5/V5C registration documents; a quantity of expired tax discs and MoTs; numerous bills; and an original owner's handbook for the Series 3 E-Type.