Lot 123 - 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series III Roadster
| Lot Number | 123 |
| Registration | JKH 968L |
| Chassis Number | 1S1588 |
| Engine Number | 7S7938SA |
| Odometer reading | 75,174 miles |
| Result | Sold - £59,920 |
- Original right hand drive example
- Supplied new with manual gearbox and wire wheels
- Factory hardtop
The Jaguar E-Type was ten years old and in need of a new lease of life. History repeated itself when Jaguar debuted its robust V12 engine in a sportscar instead of the saloon for which it was designed. Despite its sportscar heritage, Jaguar depended on saloon vehicles for its survival and had developed the twelve-cylinder engine to power them with sufficient torque and refinement. Larger and softer in nature and 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 very good 1972 Jaguar E-Type Roadster, fitted with a manual gearbox and wire wheels, has been subject to a lot of work over the last 15 years. According to a previous auction catalogue, it was delivered new by Henly’s of London to a Miss Margaret Vera Hind. In 2000, the car was purchased from marque specialists, The E-Type Centre when it is believed to have covered about 58,000 miles. Between 2008-2011 a number of improvements were carried out which included a new propshaft, the differential rebuilt, gearbox rebuild, new clutch assembly, the brake servos and master cylinders replaced, a new starter motor and a new ignition system fitted. In 2014 and with 74,500 miles on the odometer, this E-Type was auctioned and since then it has only covered a further 1,100 miles. Purchased in 2020 by our vendors husband, he continued bringing the car up to a high standard, this included replacing the interior with new cream leather, fitting a new, complete black carpet set, suppling a full tonneau cover and fitting a new hood frame and black hood cover. Finished in the original colour of Azure Blue, this E-Type Roadster is supplied with a factory hardtop, a V5C registration document and a file of invoices compiled since the purchase in 2020. This example is an ideal classic car to be used and enjoyed as it is or continue the cosmetic restoration by rectifying the paintwork.
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.