Jaguar E-Type Series III Roadster Barn Find

Jaguar E-Type Series III Roadster Barn Find – just 7740 miles from new

Silverstone Auctions are offering a 1973 V12 Jaguar E-Type Series III in their May sale that’s been in the same family since new and covered just 7,740 miles.

If there is such a thing as an unloved Jaguar E-Type, the Series III is probably it.

Bigger and bolder than the more delicate Series I and II E-Types, the Series III cars were built on the same longer wheelbase as the old two plus two models, got wider wheels, more flared wheel arches and all came with Jaguar’s quite brilliant – but thirsty – 5.3 litre V12 with a claimed 276bhp.

Introduced in 1971, by the time Jaguar decided to kill it off in 1975 it was so tough to sell that BL managers were being given V12 E-Types to run around in.

But times change, and classic car lovers now appreciate the Series III more than they once did, evidenced by rising prices with cars now fetching in to six figures at auction (and over £200k if you want a V12 E-Type mildly fettled by Eagle).

Not only are V12 E-Types becoming more desirable, unmolested, unrestored classic cars are becoming the must-have for collectors; cars with the patina of age rather then restored to as new (or better). So this barn-find V12 E-Type, owned by the same family since new and having covered just 7,7040 miles. shouldn’t be short of bids when it hits Silverstone Auctions in May.

Bought by the original owner in 1973, it was lovingly cared for and infrequently driven until his death 20 years later, when it passed to his son. The son never drove it but kept it carefully stored as an investment until 2006 when it was moved to a shed on the owners estate and became a bit forgotten.

The car is now in the ownership of the original owner’s grandson and has had its engine recommissioned, its radiator refurbished, its brakes fettled and its fluids changed to get an MOT, but otherwise it’s untouched.

Nick Whale, Silverstone Auctions’ MD, said:

It’s a pleasure to be able to offer this highly original, low mileage E-Type for auction and help find it a loving home with a new owner.
In my opinion the Series III E-Type is one of the best value classic cars on offer. The market has now recognised these wonderful cars and as such we expect a great amount of interest in this fantastically original, low mileage example.

It’s an appealing car that won’t take a fortune to turn back in to a stunner, and with a guide price of £70-90,000 there should be lots of interest when it goes under the hammer on 23 May.