Lot details Registration No: DBY882M Chassis No: I52527 Mot Expiry: June 2010
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 sportscar fresh 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 refined. "The turbine-like smoothness with which the engine provides a sustained shove in the back is almost uncanny, the more so when one accelerates hard in top gear without even a gearchange to interrupt one's headlong dash into the distance". (Autocar 5th July 1973) 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. Imbued with a more muscular stance thanks to its flared wheelarches, re-profiled wings and larger grille, it also benefited from vented disc brakes and a restyled interior.
To right-hand drive manual specification when it left the factory, this particular example was owned by a German enthusiast, Dr Dieter Holl, from 1980 - 2003. Repatriated via renowned Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists Frank Dale & Stepson, the Roadster then passed through the hands of Maynard Flint Holdings Ltd of Harrogate before entering the current ownership in November 2003. Although photographs and invoices on file prove that an extensive restoration was undertaken during Dr Holl's custodianship, the past two years have seen the Jaguar treated to a thorough cosmetic and mechanical overhaul with attention being paid to its bodywork, interior trim, electrics, engine, suspension, brakes, steering and instruments etc. The results speak for themselves. Put simply this E-type V12 Roadster is one of the nicest we have encountered. Finished in midnight blue with red leather upholstery, it is worthy of close inspection and comes with a box file full of paperwork.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle is now registered as DBY882M.
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