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 more of a luxury Grand Tourer than an out-and-out sportscar.

Wider, heavier and roomier 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.

Beneath the skin, ventilated front discs improved braking power and the front suspension gained anti-dive geometry. Lucas transistorised ignition and Adwest power-assisted steering were now standard as was a quad exhaust that gave the car huge presence as it rocketed past lesser machines. It remained in production until 1974 with 22,584 sold in total, just 7,990 of them Coupes and only 2,115 of these in right-hand drive.

First registered in July 1973, this original UK market ‘matching numbers’ Coupe comes with the desirable manual gearbox and is particularly eye-catching in metallic blue with a smart biscuit leather interior. The indicated mileage of just under 62,000 is believed to be genuine and is backed up by many old MOTs and invoices in the large history file. These include bills for a body restoration and bare metal repaint in 1989 and an interior retrim in 1996.

In the current ownership since 2013, it has been more cossetted than driven, recent work including a rebuilt diff, new cooling system with alloy radiator and uprated fans, new suspension bushes, carburettors rebuilt, brake system overhaul and a stainless steel exhaust.

Said to drive as well as it looks with an MOT until June 2020 with no advisories recorded, it is sure to turn heads as it cruises around over the coming summer months.