1972 Jaguar E-type Series III Roadster

Highlights

• Fully restored example
• In the original colour of Old English White
• Retains many original features
• Number of modern upgrades
• Only four owners from new

General Description

In March 2008, the Jaguar E-Type ranked first in the Daily Telegraph’s list of the ‘100 most beautiful cars’ of all time. It was initially designed and shown to the public as a grand tourer in two-seater coupé form and as convertible, on its release, Enzo Ferrari called it, “The most beautiful car ever made”. The model was made in three distinct versions which are now generally referred to as ‘Series I’, ‘Series II’ and ‘Series III’.

The 3.8 litre inline six was increased to 4.2 litres in October 1964. However, a new 5.3 Litre, 12-cylinder Jaguar V12 engine was then introduced with up rated brakes and power steering as standard for the series III in 1971. The short wheelbase fixed head coupé body style was discontinued and the V12 was available only as a convertible and 2+2 coupé. The convertible used the longer-wheelbase 2+2 floorplan. By far the most comfortable and most accomplished of the range, these Series III’s were purpose built for long distances and certainly looked the part as well.

The Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Roadster is a characterful British sports car, which is as much at home on the Riviera as it is on the streets of London.

About this specific vehicle

This example, that Sasso Automotive are proud to offer for auction, is a 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Roadster. Built on 25th May 1972 and dispatched to dealer Page Motors of Epsom, Surrey, this manual V12 roadster was first registered on 26th September to R.F Viola and retains its original Surrey registration mark. Originally, as on the Jaguar Heritage Certificate number 48468, this matching numbers example was supplied in Old English White and with a blue leather interior. Mr Viola would owner the car for just over 10 years, before passing to a Mr Chapman, having covered 59,500 miles. Mr Chapman would own the car till 1997, when it would pass to a Mr Moffat, who owned the car up until 2017.

Today, this car presents extremely well, having covered 86,972 miles from new. This car has been the subject of a recent £80,000 restoration, which saw the car retain original features but also modern upgrades. The car was subject to a windows out bare metal repaint whilst at the same time the bodywork was treated to any corrosion being dealt with including replacement of body metal in specific areas. There was no need to replace any full panels which confirmed the previous owner’s expenditure and caretaker ship whilst in their care. It rides on an original set of 15-inch chromed wire wheels with two-spoke spinners, shod with Dunlop SP Sport tyres. The factory specification includes a leather-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel, variable speed electric windscreen wipers, Smiths gauges, a Kienzle analogue clock, dual heater and ventilation controls, and manually operated windows. The interior and carpets were replaced as well. Some modern upgrades include a 5-speed gearbox, suspension overhaul, engine reconditioning and numerous other work.

Now back to its original specification the car can only be described as one of the best available it drives perfectly and looks stunning. It is now ready to join a collection of iconic sports cars or be enjoyed as an engaging fair weather cruising companion and car show visits alike.