Jaguar E-Type

S3 V12 - 3 owners from new - 50K engine revision

The Jaguar E-Type, or Jaguar XK-E for the North American Market, is a model produced by Jaguar Cars, three generations of which were built between 1961 and 1974. The E-Type revolutionized the design, performance and handling of sports cars. The price was a lot lower than that of the competing models, so sales were high. In fourteen years, more than 70,000 copies were sold. The Jaguar E-Type is in first place in the "Top of sports cars of the 60s" list.


After Jaguar had achieved a number of successes with the Jaguar D-Type at the "24 Hours of Le Mans" in the 1950s, it was decided to develop a new sports car to replace the Jaguar XK150. The E-Type was given a revolutionary body design, by Malcolm Sayer, who had previously designed aircraft for the Bristol Aeroplane Company. The curves and notches were not just for decoration, but were carefully calculated aerodynamic shapes. Sayer's secret weapon was to stick strings of wool on the car to study the airflow when the car was in the wind tunnel.


Built from 1971 to 1974, the Series III received the new Jaguar 5.3-litre V12 under the bonnet (272 HP), along with improved brakes and power steering as standard. The FHC was discontinued and the Series 3 was only available as an OTS convertible and 2+2 coupé. The OTS also used the extended chassis of the 2+2. The Series 3 further distinguished itself with a different radiator grille, rimmed wheel arches, and V12 on the trunk emblem.

“Collection by Vermant” is pleased to be able to offer you this very special and original Jaguar E-Type S3 V12. This E-Type was the third and final series of the model featuring some welcome upgrades with regard to the previous series. It was not only more spacious in the interior, but the V12 also proved to be a more powerful and reliable successor to the inline 6 engine. This made the car more comfortable to drive in day to day traffic and on longer trips. This specific E-type was a very early produced Series 3 model as being the 65th to roll off the production line. It being such an early chassis number is very rare and makes the car very unique. It was sold new by British Motor Car District in San Francisco, California, to its first owner. After only 2 years, the car came into possession of its second owner. This was an Anthropoloy professor at the University of California. She really pampered the car and only took the car out on a sunny sunday to go for a drive. When it was not used, the car was stored and covered in a garage to keep it in pristine condition. During her 30 years of ownership, she only used the car sparingly. This resulted in a unique and very low mileage of 45.847 miles at the time she sold the car in 2003. Attracted by the uniqueness of this E-Type, its originality and the low mileage, the third owner bought the car in 2003 and shipped the car to Belgium. After 21 years, he has decided that this big cat deserves a warm new home to be enjoyed by a passionate caretaker. Not only the originality of this E-Type makes this unique, but also the history. This E-type has since 1973 been under the care of only two passionate long term owners and still has its original service book and owners manual. Both are in immaculate condition and are extremely rare to still be present at a car this age.


When the last owner bought the car, he spared no expense to get the car in excellent condition. Upon receiving the car it was inspected and every single part that was not in as new condition was replaced. Due to the car being in a warm climate in America, a lot of the rubber seals and suspension rubbers had dried out. These were subsequently all replaced with new oem parts. The parts for the refurbishment alone totaled an enormous 7.000€ and all invoices for these parts are available on file. Throughout the years, the car was stored dry and was sparingly used on sunny days. Due to a busy work schedule of the owner, the car sat still in recent years, resulting in a blockage of the coolant channels of the engine. To resolve this issue, the decision was made to rebuilt the complete engine. To make sure the car was in as new condition once again, it was decided to overhaul the complete drive train, suspension, brake system and exhaust system. This resulted in a an E-type that not only drives like a new one, but also looks like a new one. A complete list with parts and the performed repairs is available from the revision, totalling almost 50.000€. During the rebuild of the engine, it was also verified that the car still has its all important matching numbers engine, as indicated on the Heritage Thrust Certificate.


When looking at the exterior of this E-Type, we can see the beautiful colour Regency Red. This is still the original colour of the car, as indicated by the Heritage Thrust Certificate. The car not only bears its original colour but has only been repainted once in its 50+ year lifespan. Today the car is still in excellent condition and the paint shines proudly on this E-type. The chromework still has a nice shine to it and works well with the wire wheels on the car. On the rear, we can see the signature quad tailpipes. The exhaust system has been replaced during the overhaul of the engine with a complete stainless steel system. The convertible top on this E-Type has been renewed due to brittleness of the previous one and is paired with a new cover as well. What makes this E-Type very rare is the availability of its original hard top. This was a rarely chosen option when these cars were new and most of them have been separated from the car they came with. Today they are almost impossible to find and require high prices when available.


Going over to the interior of this E-Type, we can find the original leather upholstery. This is still in excellent condition and is still smooth and supple throughout. The originality of the interior further shows the care that has been taken on maintaining this E-type throughout the years. Not only the seats, but also the door cards, door sill, carpets and dashboard are still completely original. A true time capsule. Going over to the luggage compartment, we can find the beige Hardura Mats. Just below we can see the spare wheel compartment, which is still in immaculate condition. Here we can find the spare wire wheel with the original Car jack (in the correct pouch) and hammer to loosen the centre lock nuts on the wheels.


This E-type will come with the following rare and unique items

• Original Jack

• Service invoices from America

• Service invoices from Belgium

• Complete file of the recent overhaul of the car

• British Heritage Thrust certificate

• Original and immaculate service manual

• Original, extremely rare and immaculate Service book

• Belgian registration certificate

• Scan of the second owners registration certificate from 1973

This is the penultimate example for someone looking for a highly original, very early chassisnumber and well sorted E-type. Recently completely mechanically recomissioned at no expense and with a unique history. A once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire this magnificent E-Type.