Jaguar E-Type S3 V12 Automatic Coupe

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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, Jaguar first produced a 5.0-litre V12 using two twin-cam XK heads on a common crankcase. Soon shelved due its complexity and cost, the firm wisely focused on road car production and the day-to-day running of the business. The project was rejuvenated many years later, the team developing a version for the XJ13, and a proposal to use it in a new super luxury car was considered. 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 successfully 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 of torque, giving the car a top speed in excess of 140mph.

The accompanying Heritage Certificate states that this V12 Coupe was manufactured on 7th March 1973 and painted in Heather with a Cerise interior – how very 1970s! Sold through Dutton Forshaw in Birmingham, it was originally registered BNM 477L.

The last three keepers have owned the E-Type for more than 34 years between them, the car spending some time in Germany when it overheated and was returned to the UK for rectification. The huge history file shows that Phillips Garages in Birmingham fitted a replacement reconditioned engine in August 1981, returning the car with a bill for £2,183 including twin Kenlowe fans! In October of that year a further £1,147 was spent on a reconditioned automatic gearbox. It is not clear when the colour change took place, the bright magenta colour it wears today suiting the car well.

Although it has seen little use over the last few years, it has recently been fitted with new rear springs and rain deflectors and comes with a complete set of refurbished wire wheels and spinners, plus rear hub adaptors, which have yet to be fitted. The car has an Opus electronic ignition which is a very worthwhile exercise on these engines and has had the cam covers and engine ancillaries detailed with specialist stove enamelling.

We are informed that it runs well and drives nicely and is MOTd until June 2016. The elderly gentleman owner believes that the indicated 96,200 miles is genuine, but having covered just a few miles over the last year has reluctantly decided that it is time for this iconic machine to find a new home.

Although introduced over 54 years ago, it is still a red letter day when you see an E-Type on the road. This sensibly priced example will enable its lucky new owner to get that feeling every time they open the garage door.