1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Roadster

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.

On offer here is an original UK-registered, right-hand drive Series 3 Roadster finished in Opalescent Silver with red hide and a black roof, complemented by the almost obligatory set of chrome wire wheels. Rolling off the production line in December 1971, the Jaguar was initially supplied through Ritchie’s of Glasgow and first registered with the very interesting registration number ‘7R’ which unfortunately no longer remains with the vehicle, however the present private registration, PDO 94, is to remain assigned to the E-Type once sold, an attractive addition. Restored some years ago to a very high standard, the Jaguar remains in outstanding condition throughout. The exterior paintwork is almost blemish free with the interior looking as if it has been freshly retrimmed. Mechanically we understand that it runs and drives superbly, underlined by bills and invoices detailing regular care and maintenance in recent years, including detailed paperwork from Corton-Miller of Boston, Lincolnshire, classic car specialists and tuning experts. Also in the history file are older registration documents, previous MOT Certificates, and a Heritage Certificate issued in 2021, as well as the original Handbook and Passport to Service.

Finished in one of the most pleasing of E-Type colour schemes and with the desirable manual gearbox, PDO 94 is ready to enjoyed once again by its next custodian, be that at the local Classic Car Show or pressed into use as the Grand Tourer that it was always intended to be.