Jaguar E-Type S3 V12 Roadster

History

Not so much an engine as a symbol of national pride, Jaguar's iconic V12 remains to this day the smoothest V12 engine ever built. Mercedes even took one apart to see how it was done but no amount of Germanic genius could replicate the turbine-like delivery of Coventry's finest powerplant.  

Weighing just a few pounds more than the XK 4.2 engine it replaced, the alloy blocked 5.3-litre V12 produced only slightly more power (272 instead of 265bhp) but much more torque (304 instead of 283lb/ft). This results in a quite different driving experience: gone is the XK snarl, replaced by quiet thunder and a sense of vast momentum in place of raw acceleration. Properly maintained, this unstressed giant also has a reputation for bulletproof reliability, topping 250,000 miles with ease.

The V12 was introduced to the world in 1971 in the Series 3 E-Type – what better way  to get it noticed? Visually distinguished by its wider, more aggressive mouth, flared wheelarches, broader track and purposeful quad-exhaust pipes, the S3 combined supercar performance (0-60 in 6.4 seconds and 150mph) with limousine refinement. Uprated brakes and power steering kept everything under control, the whole package adding up to a magnificent grand tourer that could cross continents with ease, particularly in the automatic form you see here.

This particular car is a genuine UK RHD example that was first registered in Shrewsbury in 1973. Said to be in very good condition all round, it further benefits from a full stainless steel exhaust and a fresh MOT. Always in regular use while in the current ownership, the car is said to drive superbly and will be driven 70 miles to the saleroom. The 59,000 miles displayed on the clock is said to be genuine, and there are many old MOTs on file to help verify this.

With top examples of this model now fetching upwards of £45,000, this very tidy example looks good value at the guide price suggested today.