Lot 204 - 1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 2+2 Fixedhead Coupé
| Lot Number | 204 |
| Registration | ACU 225L |
| Chassis Number | 1S51683 |
| Engine Number | 7S10812SA |
| Odometer reading | 68,438 miles |
| Estimate | £47,000 - £55,000 |
The Jaguar E-Type was ten years old and needed a new lease of life. History repeated itself and it was a huge success when Jaguar debuted its robust V12 engine in a sports car instead of the saloon for which it was designed. Despite its sports car heritage, Jaguar depended on saloon vehicles for its survival and had developed the 12-cylinder engine to power them with sufficient torque and refinement. Larger and softer in nature with weight redistributed 53/47, the Series III had lost the wilds of its youth but gained the long-legged touring profile to which it was arguably better suited. 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".
This superb example is presented in gleaming Regency Red with the interior finished in Russet Red leather and sits on chrome pressed steel wheels. It is fitted with Inertia reel seat belts and has a heated rear window, these details are the same as the original sales invoice from H R Owen (copy in the history file) from 19th March 1973 which also confirms it is a matching numbers car. The condition of this car would be hard to match, the engine bay is clean and the underneath looks fantastic. The powerful V12 runs as it should, sounding evocative when on full song or just idling! The fabulous history file, which is one of the most concise we have ever seen, contains its original Jaguar Passport to Service booklet showing its PDI stamp, original Operating, Maintenance and Service Handbook, spare key, original E-Type Series III V12 wiring diagram and its original Sales, Service Facilities booklet. This amazing history file also contains many original Tax discs going back to 1975, old MoT test certificates and many invoices for work carried out over the years. An E-Type of this calibre with the most concise history to match is so incredibly rare, this is one of the best investments of this model on the market today.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.