Jaguar E-Type S3 V12 Coupe Automatic

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Launched in 1971, the Series 3 V12 was the last and most luxurious of the E-Type range with a wider track, longer wheelbase, bigger tyres, revised suspension and a more spacious cockpit. Better proportioned than the earlier 2+2 E-Types with a beautifully muscular form, it was easily a match for anything the Italians had to offer and is ludicrously undervalued by comparison.

Weighing just a few pounds more than the smaller XK 4.2 engine it replaced, the alloy blocked 5.3-litre V12 produced only slightly more power (272 instead of 265bhp) but vastly more torque (349lb/ft in place of 283). This results in a quite different driving experience: gone is the XK snarl, replaced by quiet thunder and vast momentum, 0-60mph being despatched in just 6.5 seconds with 145mph only a squeeze of the right foot away. Even today, it is hard to imagine a more desirable car in which to cross a continent.

As the Heritage Certificate confirms, this stunning silver E-Type was built in June 1972 and despatched to British Motor Holdings of Canada in September of that year. A left-hand drive automatic model with green Sundym glass, it was bought new by politician and Hush Puppies tycoon, Charles Greb of Kitchener, Ontario, who was to keep it right up until his death in 2006.

Clearly very fond of the car, Greb treated it to an extensive renovation in 1998/99 at a cost of over $40,000 with many bills and photos on file to document the process which included a full repaint in the original silver. It then had one further local owner before being bought by Toby Grafftey-Smith in 2015, co-founder of pop group Jamiroquai, who also ran a business bringing E-Types into Britain from America, from whom the current keeper acquired it shortly afterwards.

A former Jaguar mechanic and forensic engineer (specialising in accident investigation) he spent several months detailing the car to bring it up to his own exacting requirements. This included removing the Federal emissions equipment to restore full power; carbs overhauled; front suspension fully rebuilt; new front brake discs, master cylinder, servo, hoses and pipes; new steering rack; new header tank; all new coolant hoses and clips; two new six-blade fans with new Otter switch; Opus electronic ignition and distributor; new n/s exhaust manifold and downpipes; new throttle cable and kickdown switch; new oil pressure sender unit; new HT leads; new inertia reel seatbelts; virtually all nuts and bolts replaced with new stainless steel items – you get the picture!

Now in sparkling condition throughout, it drove superbly when we took it for a lengthy test drive and attracted so much attention from other road users that we were loathe to give it back! Due to have a fresh MOT in time for the sale, documentation includes the aforementioned Heritage Certificate, restoration invoices and photographs, an owner’s handbook in the original wallet and a factory workshop manual.

One of the nicest E-Types we have offered, this 'matching numbers' S3 is showing only 40,300 miles on the clock which is almost certainly correct and could be converted to RHD if desired using a kit of parts readily available from specialists. It looks a no-brainer at the modest guide price suggested.