London 2013
1971 Jaguar E-Type Series III V-12 2+2 Coupé
From the Maat Collection
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£20,160 GBP | Sold
| London, United Kingdom
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- Offered from the Maat Collection
- The final iteration of Jaguar’s iconic E-Type
- Includes a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate
272 bhp at 5,850 rpm, 5,344 cc single overhead-camshaft, two-valves-per-cylinder V-12 engine with four Zenith 175 CDSE carburettors, four-speed automatic gearbox, independent wishbone and torsion bar front suspension, independent wishbone and coil radius arm rear suspension, and four-wheel Girling discs brakes. Wheelbase: 2,667 mm
The fantastic XKSS, the huge success in competition of the C-Type and D-Type, and the stunning XK120 prompted Jaguar once again to try and produce the ultimate sports car. Many sceptics thought that Jaguar simply couldn’t do it a fifth time and that the performance was slowly being diluted out of their sports cars. However, when the E-Type was announced in 1961, it was clear that they once again created an automotive legend. Costing just over £2,000, its price was competitive, and when combined with its sleek looks, this was a car that Jaguar’s competition had to take very seriously. The E-Type, in both fixed-head and open versions, was an immediate success, particularly in Jaguar’s main export market of the United States.
Released in 1971, the defining characteristic of the Series III E-Type was its brand-new 12-cylinder engine. Greatly increasing the available power and torque over earlier straight-six E-Types, the V-12 of the Series III more than compensated for power decreases due to stricter emissions control in the Series II E-Types. Exterior changes consisted of flared wheel arches to fit the new suspension and wider track, along with a cross-slated front grille. Jaguar only produced the Series III E-Type in two styles, the 2+2 coupé and the roadster, dropping the two-seater coupé. In addition, the roadster adopted the longer wheelbase of the 2+2, making for slightly more interior room.
According to its JDHT Certificate, this 1971 Jaguar E-Type Coupé was produced on 8 March 1971 in Old English White and a black leather interior, and it was originally destined for distributor British Leyland, in New York. The car is still finished in its original colour scheme, and the odometer currently shows just over 77,000 miles. The exterior is in remarkable condition for its age, and the interior is largely original, showing signs of use that is proportional with the amount of mileage it has travelled.
It goes without saying that the E-Type is a legend amongst cars. It ranked first in the Daily Telegraph’s list of the “World’s Most Beautiful Cars” and topped Sports Cars International’s poll of 1960s sports cars. But perhaps the highest accolade came from Enzo Ferrari, who called the E-Type “the most beautiful car ever made”. This E-Type is an incredible, largely original example of a Series III model, and an automobile such as the E-Type deserves a place in every enthusiast’s garage.
