Lot details Registration No: UTE365L Chassis No: IS51481 Mot Expiry: June 2006
By 1971, Jaguar's jaw-dropping E-Type had been in production for a decade. Despite continual improvements, new emissions legislation in the all-important American market threatened to strangle the big cat's performance. Jaguar responded by giving its revered sports car new claws in the shape of a 5343cc V12 developed from the stillborn XJ13 Le Mans project car. The new engine was both effortlessly powerful and eerily smooth. With some 272bhp and 304lbft of torque on tap, the Series III E-Type once again had 150mph in its sights. A revised wheelbase yielded better cabin space and together with wider tracks front and rear, new anti-dive front suspension geometry and fatter tyres gave improved road holding. An important consideration given that the manual transmission cars were said to be capable of 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds and 0-100mph in 15.4 seconds.
A variety of configurations were available throughout the course of this models production, the major distinction though obviously being the 'wind in the hair motoring' with the top down or the 'I've just had my hair done' option as a fixed head coupe.
The example we have for you today is the coupe which dates from 1972. It has been passed down through a single family for the past thirty years or so and to the best of their knowledge it has only ever been in one minor rear end accident in that time and anyway it was partially restored some twenty years ago. It is the much more desirable manual version and it is described as being in fair condition throughout, albeit with some clutch judder, but the mileage of 124150 is believed to be genuine from new.
It is currently tested until June this year and is ready to drive away with the road fund licence being current until the end of the month. Will they ever be this attractively priced again?
PLEASE NOTE: Since going to press with the catalogue, we have been informed that there was one previous owner before the current family ownership.
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
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