1975 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster Commemorative Edition

Lot details
Registration No: JPL872N
Chassis No: IS2855
Mot Expiry: May 2009

One of the all time great sportscars and arguably the most important Jaguar ever made, the E-type left an indelible mark on British culture. However, after thirteen years of glaring exposure the buying public had become somewhat blasU about its stunning looks and searing performance. Faced with dwindling sales and keen to move on, Jaguar took the decision to end production in June 1974. To mark the passing of an icon, the last fifty cars to roll off the assembly line each carried a special commemorative plaque bearing a facsimile of Sir William Lyons's signature. While, forty-nine of the fifty were finished in gloss black with tan leather upholstery. Mechanically standard, the Commemorative Roadsters shared the same monocoque bodyshell, all-round independent suspension, rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes as their commoner Series III siblings. Powered by Jaguar's eerily smooth 5343cc SOHC V12, they could be had with a choice of four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission and promised a nigh-on 150mph top speed. The rarest series production E-type, the Commemorative Roadster has long been prized by collectors.
Finished in black with tan leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork and wheels / tyres (while, he rates the paintwork as "good" save for some lifting on the bonnet). Reportedly the eleventh from last Commemorative Roadster made, 'JPL 872N' was completed on 20th August 1974. Supplied new to a Mr Sebborn by Coombs & Sons (Guildford) Limited on March 18th 1975, it passed into the current (second) ownership the following January. Said to have been refurbished "to maker's specification in 1980 by Michael Cane Restorations Ltd, Mill Lane, Godalming, Surrey (copy invoices with history)", that same year apparently saw the E-type fitted with a stainless steel exhaust system by P.J. Langford & Company. Riding on correct-type steel wheels and retaining its original hood, 'JPL 872N' also benefits from a Frigking air conditioning unit. Warranted to have covered just 36,000 miles from new, this two-owner Commemorative Roadster is offered for sale with original Passport to Service booklet, Operating, Maintenance & Service handbook, various old MOT certificates, aforementioned copy restoration invoices and fresh MOT certificate.