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

• Original colour combination
• Desirable manual transmission
• Matching engine and chassis numbers

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 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 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 2 2+2, the Series 3 E-Type continued the Jaguar tradition of offering a level of performance and luxury unrivalled at the price.

Equipped with the desirable manual gearbox, this delightful V12 E-Type was first delivered to Fletchers of Swansea, South Wales in August 1971. In 1990 the Jaguar was placed into its time capsule heated garage. Prior to entering the time capsule, a previous keeper took it upon himself to drain all the fluids and cover the whole car with a wax preservation treatment. The car was then lifted off the floor and placed onto blocks which allowed the weight of the car to be taken off the suspension. Showing just 3 former keepers, the car spent most of its life in Wales before being acquired by the most recent owner a few years ago. Presented in its original colour combination, this desirable UK-supplied, matching-numbers example is offered with a V5 registration document; a workshop manual; and a service handbook.