Jaguar E-Type S3 V12 Coupe

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Launched in 1971, the Series 3 E-Type was a quite different animal to the cars that had gone before, being wider, heavier and roomier and more practical than previous models.

It more than made up for its extra bulk with its fabulous new V12 engine. Weighing only 80lbs more than the cast-iron block 4.2-litre XK six, the new all-alloy 5.3 litre V12 produced 272bhp, good for a top speed of 140mph with astonishing refinement. Equally impressive was the 0-100mph time of 16 seconds, with 60mph coming up in just 6.8 seconds, making the V12 the fastest-accelerating E-Type ever, the power being delivered with uncanny smoothness.

As the Heritage Certificate confirms, this E-Type V12 manual was built in October 1971 and was supplied new via Ernest Hatfield of Sheffield to first owner Dr RM Kinsey of the same town. Finished in British Racing Green with a Cinnamon interior, it was first registered as MWJ 474K but became 111 ACG when it was acquired by another Sheffield man, Charles Gascoyne, in 2008 then 882 WKY in 2010 when it was acquired by a John North of Brigg becoming JMA 932K when our vendor acquired it in 2017.

When acquired the E-Type had been in dry storage for several years, had been colour-changed to red and was in need of renovation. Over the last two years it has been fully restored to the wonderful condition you see today, as documented in photos on file. The engine, running gear, glass and interior were all removed from the car and it was treated to a new bonnet and a bare metal repaint in eye-catching BRG metallic.

The engine was thoroughly overhauled and serviced, the entire braking system renewed and the suspension completely rebuilt with new springs and Boge shock absorbers. Much of the wiring was also replaced and the original interior was given a thorough clean. A new clutch was fitted along with a new set of Pirelli tyres and a new tail fan for the stainless steel exhaust. It is showing 52,000 miles on the clock which is almost certainly correct and is backed up by various old MOTs back to 1977 when it had covered 49,395 miles.

Now in sparkling condition throughout, it ran beautifully when we were treated to a test drive on the occasion of our visit with excellent oil pressure and an MOT to July 2020 with no advisories recorded. Due to be driven some 60 miles to the sale, this freshly rejuvenated E-Type looks a million dollars but could be yours for a fraction of that amount.