1972 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' Coupé. The Series 3 is easily identifiable by its large cross-slatted front grille, flared wheel arches, wider tyres, a larger bonnet bulge, updated bumpers and a badge on the rear that proclaims it to be a V12. It also features 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 a delightfully original, matching numbers, left-hand drive Series 3 V12 Roadster built in 1972 for the US-market, fitted with the smooth automatic gearbox and finished in Primrose Yellow. Despatched to British Leyland, New York in June 1972, it remained in the US before being spotted and purchased by our vendor in Oregon, returning to the UK in May 2015. The car has been the pride and joy of our enthusiast vendor and that shines through with quality evident throughout. The only deviation from its original specification is the black leather interior to match the roof, replacing the original Cinnamon interior, as confirmed by the Jaguar Heritage Certificate.

This Series 3 Roadster presents exceptionally well and appears to have been particularly well maintained, a testament to the previous owners. The ownership history is documented as follows:

1972-1974 Unknown car dealer in Portland, Oregon

1974-2004 Theresa Burns, Portland, Oregon

2004-2010 Unknown owner, located in Portland, Oregon

2010-2015 Abed Farhan, Portland, Oregon

2015-2024 our vendor, West Sussex

The once not so desirable external colour of Primrose Yellow somehow now appears to fit the bill, even more so when paired with the new black leather interior, giving the Jaguar a certain nostalgic appeal, and even the automatic gearbox ticks the boxes and adds to the feel of a gentle 'Grand Tourer'.

This Jaguar has clearly been exceptionally well-cared for with no expense spared, with maintenance carried out as and when required, not only under present ownership but, from the overall condition, since it rolled off the production line in 1972.

Your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged to fully appreciate the overall quality of this lovely Series 3. There is plenty of summertime remaining to enjoy some top-down motoring and, it may be over 50 years old, but burble down your High Street in a Primrose E-Type and there aren't many heads that won't turn.