1971 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Coupe

Description

For additional images, please see our lot gallery for this E-Type

• Unsold at auction December 2023
• Please contact Evoke for more information / to arrange a viewing : team@evoke-classics.com
• Original UK RHD
• £20,000 recently spent
• Low but regular use
• V12 5.3 litre
• Automatic

In a world of modern motoring where many cars come with a suffocating ugliness, seeing a car of such pure beauty is a pleasure.

The Jaguar E-type needs no introduction. Even stationary, it has a presence like no other classic. The Series 3 was the final version of the E-type, and fitted with that marvellous V12 they are hugely desirable.

History and paperwork

• £20,000+ spent on recent mechanical, electrical and interior work
• With our vendor since 2016
• First registered 2 December 1971
• Prior to our vendor, a father and son owned this E-type, then one other
• Two previous owners, three registered keepers
• A very recent MOT passed on 7 November 2023
• Paper MOTs going back to 1996

Mechanicals

The centre piece of this Series 3 is that engine.

• V12 5.3 litre
• 272bhp
• 295 ft-lb of torque
• Four Zenith Stromberg carburettors

The V12 in this E-type had a thorough overhaul just a couple of years ago.

• The cylinder heads came off
• One was replaced
• The carbs were stripped, checked and overhauled
• Valve shims set up
• Carbs set up and balanced

You’ll see from the video, the engine fired first time, settles quickly and runs as you’d expect without fuss or drama.

As many of you will know, the advanced design that made up the suspension and makes the E-type the perfect Grand Tourer can be expensive to keep well maintained. Check the images and you will see invoices totalling a great deal of money and time spent in this area.

• Front suspension overhauled
• Radiator and cooling system replaced where needed
• Cooling fans and motors replaced
• That work came to just over £10,000.

Inside

• Classic black and chrome dash
• Original Smiths dials
• Three spoke steering wheel
• The additional floor coverings that were fitted to the Series 3 are all fine
• The red leather complements the exterior very well
• Chrome handbrake
• Door cards and chrome architecture in good condition
• Cream headlining fixed firmly and in good condition

The Series 3 E-type is longer and wider than previous models and that makes the interior not only more practical but more accessible too. Inside, this E-type has grown old extremely gracefully without the aid of modern science or bodging about. There is a lovely blend of originality that has matured well. You’ll see there is a small split on the driver’s seat and some dry abrasion on the passenger one. We’d not get too involved with that other than maybe book a home visit from a decent ‘smart’ repairer.

Significant sums have been spent improving this E-type’s interior. Weatherstrips, external and internal door and window rubbers, and A-pillar fittings, have all been replaced. Additionally, electrical work has been undertaken which includes overhauling the heating system – no mean feat on an E-type. Detailed invoices for £1,000s are in the Gallery. Here is an overview.

• Remove, strip and refit doors
• Remove and replace perished seals
• Replace A+B pillar weatherstrips and seals
• Renew sill step rubbers
• Bonnet seals replaced
• Rectify heater box fault
• Remove and strip front seats and replace head rest foams

As many of you will know, a lot of work goes into doing these jobs on an E-type.

Outside

The timeless Series 3’s body is made up of a steel tub, steel doors, bonnet, and hatch for the fixed head coupe. The monocoque design has a rear subframe mounting the differential, rear suspension and disc brakes. Under that long, low front-hinged bonnet, is an all-steel square-tube framework which is secured to the engine bulkhead and houses the engine and front suspension.

As you can see from the images, it is all in generally good order. There are the usual age-related marks as well some minor cosmetic matters on the outside edge of both doors.

As well as the work carried out above, the bumpers have been removed and refitted with new flush fitting rubbers. That job isn’t one undertaken lightly.

The exterior chrome around the door frame and body is all in place and looks clean and bright.

The classic knock-on wire wheels look very good.

Our view

An achingly beautiful sports car. An iconic design perfectly executed. Its long hood, low stance and curvaceous lines are to die for.

This Jaguar E-type needs very few additional words from us. The images do the talking.

A well sorted classic Jaguar E-type that is very usable, has been with the current owner for a decent while and has had £20,000 spent on it in the right places. As so many E-types went to the USA, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find an original RHD UK car.

We all know that five years ago E-types were crazy money. They have settled. Today there is good evidence they are edging upwards again. Good ones attract a lot of attention now.

Vehicle Location: Kent, DA13 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendor.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Jaguar E-type Series 3 Coupe? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.