Lot details
Registration No: OPA352L
Chassis No: IS1521BW
Mot Expiry: Aug 2013

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 in conjunction with wider front / rear tracks, 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, the model also boasted vented disc brakes and a restyled interior. Only 1,872 right-hand drive E-type V12 Roadsters are thought to have been made.

According to its accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Production Trace Certificate, this particular example - chassis number 1S1521BW - was built on October 2nd 1972 and dispatched to Guy Salmon Ltd of Thames Ditton, Surrey via University Motors of Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey the following month. Factory finished in Azure Blue with Biscuit leather upholstery (the same livery it pleasingly sports today), 'OPA 352L' was purchased new by the vendor who had Guy Salmon Ltd carry out the initial (free) service but otherwise maintained the Roadster himself using parts sourced from dealer Stratstone. As the proprietor of a 7,000sqft automotive bodyshop, he was well placed to upgrade the E-type with a Black vinyl-covered hardtop and wire wheels. Old MOT certificates on file indicate that the two-seater had covered a little over 100,000 miles by August 1989.

Taken off the road thereafter, it was treated to an extensive and prolonged restoration during the 1990s which not only included a bodywork refurbishment but also the installation of a new-old-stock engine and replacement radiator, power steering rack and automatic transmission etc (though, the original V12 and 'slush box have been retained). Further benefiting from a stainless steel exhaust, SNG Barratt electronic ignition, electro-plated suspension components and refurbished Kenlowe fans, the Jaguar has covered just 2,000 or so miles since work was completed. A genuine one owner from new E-type V12 Roadster, 'OPA 352L' is offered for sale with its original Guy Salmon Ltd supplier's plaque, owner's handbook, sundry old MOTs, assorted British Leyland / Jaguar literature (Passport to Service, Repair / Operation Manual and Illustrated Parts Catalogue), MOT certificate valid until August 14th 2013 and historic class (free) road fund licence valid until July 31st 2013.

PLEASE NOTE: Sadly the vendor of this lot has recently died. His widow has been unable to locate the original automatic gearbox and potential purchasers should act on the presumption that it will not be forthcoming. The original engine is available to view at the Documents' Office.