1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 FHC

• A UK-supplied, Series 3, 2+2 manual in Jaguar Signal Red
• Recently emerged from 43 years in ownership and now ripe for a new custodian
• Covering just 51,380 miles indicated and has covered only 2,160 miles since 1978
• Maintained and described by our vendor as matching engine, chassis and manual gearbox, supported by early Jaguar Heritage Certificate
• Detailed history file including the original operating, maintenance and service handbook, operation manuals and parts catalogue

A decade after the original Jaguar E-Type arrived, the design progressively matured through 1971 with the introduction of the Series 3. Designed to showcase the new smooth and torquey 5.3-litre engine, originally developed for Le Mans, the Series 3 cars were available as a 'Roadster' (convertible) or a '2+2' Coupe. The Series 3 is easily identifiable by its large cross-slatted front grille, flared wheel arches, wider tyres, a larger bonnet bulge, updated bumpers, four exhaust tips, and a badge on the rear that proclaims it to be a V12. It also featured uprated brakes, power steering as standard and a large horizontal scoop added to the underside of the bonnet to assist with cooling. The interior was entirely new in the V12, with more comfortable seating, stylish new door panels and a smaller, dished and leather-rimmed steering wheel. Being slightly larger and altogether much softer in nature, the E-Type in Series 3 form had lost the wildness of its youth but gained the long-legged touring profile, to which it was arguably better suited.

The lovely example on offer here is an original UK-supplied, right-hand drive car, factory-specified with the desirable manual gearbox and finished in Signal Red with a black leather interior, arguably, one of the best-suited colour combinations for the Plus 2 silhouette.

Our vendor purchased the Jaguar in 1978 and, whilst overall it presented in good condition, by the late 80s areas of the vehicle were suffering from age related wear and tear. At that point he decided to commission a sympathetic nut and bolt restoration of the engine, body, and subframes including a stainless steel exhaust system. The previous owner kept details of all his expenditure and, accompanying the car, are personal records made during his tenure.

Also supplied with the car are a number of invoices and MOTs dating back to 1978, and other partial history including the newspaper advert and original Bill of Sale from 1978.

Coming from long term private ownership of over 40 years, and now showing just 51,380 miles, this venerable Series 3 is now ready to start the next chapter of its life and be enjoyed for many more years.