Historics at Brooklands / Brooklands Museum 18th February 2012 Car - 18/02/2012 / 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster / Lot 292

In March 2008, the Jaguar E-Type ranked first in the s list of the '100 most beautiful cars' of all time. In 2004, magazine placed the E-Type at number one on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s. The E-Type was initially designed and shown to the public as a grand tourer in two-seater coupé form and as a convertible, and when released, Enzo Ferrari called it ""the most beautiful car ever made"". The model was made in three distinct versions which are now generally referred to as 'Series I', 'Series II' and 'Series III' with a transitional model between Series I and Series II known unofficially as 'Series 1½'. The Museum of Modern Art recognised the significance of the E-Type's design in 1996 by adding a blue roadster to its permanent design collection; one of only two automobiles to receive the distinction. The cars at the time used triple SU carburettors 3.8 litre, six cylinder, Jaguar XK engines from the XK150S. The first 300 cars built had flat floors and external bonnet latches and tend to attract a premium. After that, the floors were dished to provide more leg room and the twin hood latches moved to inside the car. The 3.8 litre engine was increased to 4.2 litres in October 1964. The Series I can be recognised by glass-covered headlights (up to 1967), small 'mouth' opening at the front, signal lights and tail-lights above bumpers and exhaust tips under the number plate in the rear. Open headlights without glass covers, a wrap-around rear bumper, re-positioned and larger front indicators and tail lights below the bumpers, better cooling aided by an enlarged 'mouth' and twin electric fans are all hallmarks of Series II cars. Series III models featured a new 5.3 litre, Jaguar V12 engine and rated brakes together with power steering. Easily identifiable by the larger front grille and flared wheel arches, the convertible used the longer wheelbase 2+2 floorplan. This delightful V12 Roadster has been loved and cherished by the current vendor since August 1996. Clearly a restoration project has been carried out on the vehicle at some stage, although little documented evidence is available; however, a comprehensive history file is available from 1996. This manual gearbox V12 roadster is described by the vendor as being a delight to drive, combining comfort, speed and road holding. Supplied with a V5 Registration document together with an MoT test certificate valid until 13 December 2012, this Jaguar E-Type is finished in green with tan leather trim and a black hood. A fine example and a fantastic opportunity to acquire a very useable classic Jaguar.