Jaguar E-Type S3 2+2

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The Series 3 E-Type was the first of many Jaguars to use the fabulous turbine smooth 5.3-litre V12. Only the second new engine design in the history of the company, its original concept dated back to the early ‘50s.

Determined to keep ahead of the game at Le Mans, a 5.0-litre V12 was produced, using two twin-cam XK heads on a common crankcase. Shelved through its complexity and cost, the concept was later revived when Walter Hassan rejoined the firm after a spell at Coventry-Climax. The XJ13 ran a fuel injected version of the old engine in 1966, but by 1967 this promising project had been cancelled once again, the firm wisely focussing on production planning for the world-beating XJ6 which was launched just a year later.

Not long after, the team started to consider a version of the XJ13 engine for a new luxury saloon. Its 8,000rpm red-line was hardly suitable, nor was its lack of mid-range torque, or the clatter from its complex valve-gear for that matter, but it showed potential thanks to its light-weight and compact dimensions.

When it finally did emerge in the restyled Series 3 E-Type, it had been ‘stroked’ to 5.3-litres. This gave it all the torque it could need and the heads now had one simple chain-driven camshaft per bank which sucessfully suppressed the noise. Fuel injection had been envisaged, but in practice four side-draft Strombergs were used, the engines producing 272bhp and a whopping 349lb/ft, giving the car a top speed in excess of 140mph.

The early history of this tax exempt 1972 Coupe is not clear until it was purchased many years ago by the well known actor Bill Maynard for his wife Tonia Bern, the widowed Mrs Donald Campbell. Imported by him from the US in LHD form specially for her, it was subsequently passed on to the vendor who had it converted to RHD in 1999 by a West Midlands based specialist.

The car has remained in dry storage for the last 12 years, but has been recently recommissioned. This process included fitting electronic ignition, a new battery, reconditioned steering rack and new brake pads. MOTd until April 2015 there are no advisories listed and it is described by the vendor as sound underneath.

It now drives well and sounds fantastic, running beautifully on all 12-cylinders when taken out for the photographs. Although introduced over 53 years ago, it is still a red-letter day when you see an E-type on the road. This modestly priced example will enable its lucky new owner to get that feeling every time they open the garage door.

CATALOGUE AMENDMENT - V5 states "manufactured 1973". Revised estimate.