Lot details
Registration No: EPM847K
Chassis No: I550248
Mot Expiry: None

Last of the line, the Jaguar E-type Series III was introduced in 1971. Longer, wider and more comfortable than its predecessors, the newcomer blurred the lines between sportscar and grand tourer. Powered by a turbine-smooth all-alloy SOHC 5343cc V12 engine allied to either Jaguar four-speed manual or Borg Warner three-speed automatic transmission, the refined manner in which it performed (contemporary road tests spoke of 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds and 150mph) simply blew road testers away. Benefiting from a broader track, ventilated disc brakes, power-assisted rack and pinion steering and Lucas transistorised ignition, the Series III was visually distinguished by its 'egg-crate' grille, flared wheelarches and purposeful quad-exhaust pipes. Available in fixed-head coupe (2+2-seater) or roadster (2-seater) guises, it remained in volume production until 1974 (though, a special commemorative run of forty-nine black-painted roadsters was released the following year).

According to its accompanying British Leyland `Passport to Service', this particular manual example was supplied new by Henlys of Euston Road, London to Ruislip resident R.E. Giles Esq. on 12th August 1971. Just over two months later, the Jaguar was sold to R.J. Huggett Esq. of Cuckfield, West Sussex and re-registered as `RJH 1'. The E-type's last known main dealer service was carried out by Dutton-Forshaw of Russell Square, Brighton on 6th March 1975 at 36,206 miles. Entries in the `Passport to Service' cease thereafter and the next mileage related piece of paperwork is a MOT certificate which was issued on June 12th 1980 at 58,318 miles. By then the 2+2 belonged to Donald Simmons Esq of Albourne, West Sussex who sold it to the vendor four years ago. Various Jaguar Driver's Club valuation certificates remain on file from Mr Simmons' twenty-eight year stewardship (1977 - 2005) as does a 1996 invoice from PMB Sport of Hassocks, West Sussex relating to a top-end engine overhaul (new head gasket set, timing chain, valve seals etc); while, the fixed-head coupe last appears to have passed a MOT test on January 31st 2000 at 59,902 miles. Purchased as a suitable candidate for restoration and garaged as part of a private collection, work on `EPM 847K' has yet to commence.