1973 Jaguar E-Type S3 V12 OTS

• UK-supplied, right-hand drive, matching numbers and presenting in fine order
• Subject to a thorough ground-up restoration in 1998, documented with images
• Finished in Azure Blue with Magnolia leather and a French Navy Blue mohair hood
• Indicating 3,700 miles, at the time of cataloguing, offered with a detailed history file
• Sensibly upgraded with wire wheels, 5-speed gearbox and modern anti-theft tracker

First registered on 29/08/1973, this home-market Series 3, V12 Jaguar E-Type had been specified from new as an open two-seater with a manual gearbox, Azure Blue paintwork and a tan interior. The car was delivered to and first registered by Howells Garages in Newport to its first private owner just one month later in the same year. DVLA records within the history folder document the car's ownership history from new.

In 1998, after ten years in his care, a previous owner decided to completely restore the car and a signed letter within the file suggests that the cost at that time amounted to over ú70,000. Also contained within the file are quotes, invoices and a collection of photographs recording the ground-up restoration from bare metal up to the finished car. The history folder also contains documents detailing the car's continuous upkeep and maintenance including an invoice from CMC, the highly regarded Jaguar specialist, for a thorough cosmetic and mechanical refresh including a 5-speed gearbox upgrade dated 2007.

Our vendor, a knowledgeable classic car collector and enthusiast, purchased JAG 976 in September 2014 and during his ownership, it's been enjoyed occasionally, dry stored and always maintained correctly. Most recently the car visited a specialist for a major service, complete refurbishment of the carburettors, electronic ignition update and, as a preventative measure, the underside of the car was protected with clear Waxoyl. Consequently, this lovely Jaguar continues to perform well and shouldn't require anything other than periodic routine maintenance for the foreseeable future. Pleasingly, it's accompanied by a substantial owner's file including the Jaguar Heritage Certificate, images of restoration, a detailed account of the CMC mechanical refresh, old MOTs, DVLA records, the current V5c and new MOT.

The final iteration of the E-Type was infinitely more approachable than its elder siblings and offered a comfortable cockpit, stress-free engine, compliant ride, and refined good manners. This example presents in fine order and we can't think of a better way of enjoying country roads on a sunny afternoon.