We are delighted to present this exceptionally special Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Roadster for sale. Delivered new through Jaguar dealer Elmbridge Motors of Surrey, the car left the factory in the striking colour combination of Black over Black with a matching black hood. The Production Record Certificate also confirms that the car was also fitted with the now highly sought after manual gearbox.

Although little is known about the first owner, Mr T. Bird, the history file shows that the second owner, Mr M. Leighton, kept the car throughout the 1980s, during which time it was serviced by Symonds Motor Engineers in High Wycombe. Under his ownership, the underside, wheel arches, and bonnet were replaced due to corrosion, an unfortunate but not uncommon issue for a twelve year old E-Type. The car subsequently passed through two further owners before being sold in 2010 to an enthusiast who embarked on an extensive four-year restoration to the highest possible standards.

This mammoth restoration was entrusted to a number of leading specialists: Castle Classics handled the complete bodywork strip and rebuild, VSE rebuilt the 5.3-litre V12 engine, E-Type Fabs installed a five-speed gearbox and Suffolk & Turley carried out the full interior re-trim. The owner’s commitment to detail was remarkable with even the original Radiomobile unit being stripped, serviced, and rebuilt to incorporate iPhone charging.

Invoices on file exceed six figures for the restoration alone. Although the major work was completed in 2014 further maintenance has been carried out since to uphold the concours level standard demanded by the owner. The car changed hands again in May of this year, purchased by another E-Type connoisseur who immediately commissioned marque specialist William Haynes to inspect the car and attend to any outstanding items. Work included replacing the wheel bearings and converting the previously fitted SU carburettors back to the correct UK-spec Stromberg setup. This recent work totalled over £10,000. The car is now only for sale due to the owner’s ongoing three-year restoration of his V12 Commemorative Edition.

With so many E-Types on the market at any given moment, the worry of choosing the ‘wrong’ one is understandable. We can confidently say that this must be one of the finest Series 3 examples available. Finished in one of the most desirable colour combinations and exhibiting exceptional quality throughout, it drives exactly as an E-Type should, responsive, precise and far sharper than lesser restorations can ever hope to achieve. Supplied with a comprehensive history file, all books, tools and keys, this E-Type wants for nothing.