1973 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Manual Roadster

Purchased, brand new from Henlys in 1973 for £3,582.92 and used on a regular basis until 1980.

Decreasing use followed and in 2012, at 28,400 miles, was submitted to the Carriage Company for a recommission

The E-Type was extensively rebuilt (£88,000) over the next couple of years.

Sadly, its owner of 44 years was unable to collect the car. Subsequently sold to our vendor who continued the investment

A colour-coded, reupholstered original factory hardtop is also with the car as is the reg number 'CAT 94K'

The history file contains original invoice, V5s wallet, books, original brochures, manuals and both keys

Looking fabulous in BRG with a Sage Green interior, if this is not the best Series III you have seen, it won't be far away

In 1971, the E-type would receive its most far-ranging changes. Walter Hassan, one of Britains pre-eminent postwar engineers and mastermind behind the Coventry Climax Formula 1 engines, worked with Jaguar technical boss Harry Mundy to produce an all-new V12 designed for maximum smoothness and consequently, the Series III became Jaguars first production V12-powered car. The V12 was only 36kg heavier than the straight-six, handling balance wasnt too drastically affected, and the top speed was still approaching 150 mph, however, the new car did not sit too well with diehard E-Type fans. Amongst the criticisms, it was felt that the front-end styling with its prominent chrome grille lacked the grace of the earlier cars, the suspension was too soft, and it had become a 'cruiser' rather than a sports car. Jaguar, however, was not unduly concerned. Success in motorsport (in the UK) was no longer driving sales and the, somewhat tricky, US market had become essential to the E-Type's survival. What Jaguar did not anticipate was the way that the new car's 'approachability' would appeal to a whole new breed of customer here in the UK. Company executives trundling to work in their Rovers or Ford Granadas realised that the Series 3 with its automatic box, comfortable cockpit, stress-free engine, compliant ride, and general good manners was a viable alternative as a 'daily driver' and once again showroom doors started swinging.

Such was the case with the first owner of this lovely 1973 V12 E-Type. He was acting as a solicitor for a client in Bristol and was persuaded to consider an E-Type, and this he duly did, culminating in the purchase of OHW 678M from Henleys in exchange for £3,582.92. The car was collected on 22nd August 1973 and the Heritage Certificate and original invoice (both with the car) show that it was a manual gearbox car finished in British Racing Green with a Biscuit interior and was fitted with Sundym Glass and Automatic Seatbelts by the factory, and Reflective Number Plates and a Mirror by the dealer.

To begin with, the Jaguar was used regularly, with routine servicing, until in the early eighties, with the arrival of a family, two seats were impractical and the E-Type was used less.Within the history file, there is an MoT Certificate showing that in September 1977 the car had covered 18,455 miles. By the time we got to the mid-90s, it was hardly used at all apart from the occasional run. The car was always kept in the owner's garage in Pinner and still looked very presentable, however, the decision was taken in 2012 that “it would be worthwhile having the car completely overhauled and brought up to a very high standard” and consequently 'The Carriage Company' in Bedfordshire was instructed to do the necessary work.

A total restoration commenced in late 2012 and the details, invoices and a full photographic history are in the file. Sadly, after the majority of the restoration had been completed, the owner was unable to collect the car and he instructed the Carriage Company to market his E-Type Our vendor became involved and managed to buy the Jaguar. In order to progress the project, he ordered a complete respray in BRG and as the car was not fully trimmed at this stage, he decided that he would like the interior in Sage Green which complements the BRG really well and this was the final touch, in what turned out to be, a showpiece restoration.

He also managed to locate an original factory hardtop which was painted to match the car, fully restored with new brightwork, lined with the original factory-finish material, and now looks superb. When the car was ready, earlier this year, it was registered appropriately CAT 94K', a nod to its feline lines, and this, the trim colour, and the hardtop are the only differences between now and August 1973.

This amazing Jaguar will be supplied with its original Jaguar Passport, handbook, owners manual, service centre guide and wallet, the original Henlys Bill of Sale, the Heritage Certificate, original brochures, two sets of keys, Mot, V5s, extensive history files with photos and full details of the work completed during the restoration.

This gleaming V12 E-Type is effectively one owner and 28,500 warranted miles from new. Finding another with such originality and provenance would be very difficult, if not impossible.