Lot 159 - 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series III 2+2 Coupé

• Recently repainted
• Webasto sunroof

By the mid-1960s, the Jaguar E-Type was appealing to the man with a young family but who were restricted by the size of the current Jaguar E-Type Coupé and its open topped sibling. This prompted Jaguar to offer a third option in the form of a 2+2 Coupé. By adding nine inches to the wheelbase and two inches in height, it was then possible to fit a rear seat capable of seating two adults in tolerable comfort. Of course, the rear seat was more suited to children or, as 'The Motor' put it at the time, the car could 'extend dad's youth for another seven years'. Robert Bell in Motor was quoted as saying at the time that "all we expected to try was a new engine but what in fact we drove was a new car. Not a yowling, aggressive Ferrari-like machine with which, perhaps, most people associate a V12 engine but a very smooth, quiet and refined grand touring sports car."

Manufactured on 3^rd March 1971, this E-Type was built as a left hand drive model and was intended to be sold in Italy. However, as the Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirms, this order was cancelled and the car remained with Jaguar Cars. The car appears to have undergone a colour change from light blue to British Racing Green and converted to right hand drive before it was finally despatched to Coombs in Guildford on 30^th March 1973. Presenting now in very good order throughout, this E-Type starts on the button and runs exceedingly well; these long-legged tourers are ideal for a trip to the coast or to the South of France. With only four previous keepers, this Jaguar has clearly been very well cared for. The beige leather trim complements the recently repainted exterior and the car also has a full length Webasto sunroof. Supplied with a V5C registration document and a good history folder, this classically dynamic design is still a head turner.