1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster
Registration no. CAT 94K
Chassis no. 1S2023

One consequence of the E-Type's long process of development had been a gradual increase in weight, but a good measure of the concomitant loss of performance was restored in 1971 with the arrival of the Series 3 V12. Weighing only 80lb more than the cast-iron-block 4.2-litre XK six, the new all-alloy, 5.3-litre, overhead-camshaft V12 produced 272bhp, an output good enough for a top speed in excess of 140mph. Further good news was that the 0-100mph time of around 16 seconds made the V12 the fastest-accelerating E-Type ever. Built in two-seat roadster and 2+2 coupé versions, both of which used the long-wheelbase floor pan introduced on the Series 2 2+2, the Series 3 E-Type continued the Jaguar tradition of offering a level of performance and luxury unrivalled at the price.

A solicitor, this E-Type's first owner purchased the car from Henlys, collecting it on 22nd August 1973. Originally registered 'OHW 678M', the car comes with the original sales invoice and a Heritage Certificate, the latter confirming that it left the factory equipped with manual transmission and was finished in British Racing Green with a Biscuit interior. Sundym glass and automatic seatbelts were fitted by the factory, reflective numberplates and a mirror by the dealer. The Jaguar was used regularly and routinely serviced until in the early 1980s when the arrival of a family necessitated transport with more than two seats. The E-Type was used less frequently thereafter. An MoT on file shows that by September 1977 the car had covered 18,455 miles, while by the mid-1990s it was hardly used at all apart from the occasional outing. It was always kept garaged and still looked very presentable.

In 2012, at 28,400 miles, it was decided to have the car completely overhauled, and marque specialists The Carriage Company of Silsoe, Bedfordshire were commissioned to undertake the restoration. Work commenced in late 2012, and details, invoices, and a full photographic record of the rebuild are on file. Sadly, as the restoration was nearing completion, the owner's circumstances changed and he instructed The Carriage Company to offer the car for sale.

The next owner ordered a complete re-spray in British Racing Green and had the interior re-trimmed in complementary Sage Green, this being the finishing touch to what had become a showpiece restoration. In addition, an original factory hardtop was obtained, restored to correct specification, and painted to match the car, which was reregistered with the appropriate plate 'CAT 94K' on the restoration's completion in 2018. The E-Type has belonged to the current (third) owner since July of that year.

As well as the aforementioned documentation and restoration records, the extensive history files contain the original Jaguar Passport, owner's handbook, service centre guide, and wallet; original brochures; two sets of keys; MoT certificates; and V5 registration documents. With only a few owners - the first for 44 years - low mileage and excellent provenance, this freshly restored Roadster has to be one of the very best Series 3 E-Types currently available.