History

The Jaguar E-Type, or the XK-E as it was known in the North American market, is arguably Jaguar’s magnum opus. Produced from 1961 to 1974 in three series, the E-Type was a sleek, stylish sports car that quickly became an icon thanks to its advanced build and high performance. The E-Type used a mostly unibody construction, front and rear independent suspension with inboard rear disc brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering, which became standards in automotive production.

Its last iteration, the Series III, was produced from 1971 to 1974, and used a new 5.3 L Jaguar V12 engine, better brakes, and standard power steering. An automatic transmission, wire wheels, and air conditioning were now available as optional equipment. The V12 was fed by four Zenith carburetors and produced 272 hp and more torque than its predecessor. The Series III was also available only as a convertible or a 2+2 coupe, with the fixed-head coupe variant discontinued, and was overall bigger than the Series I and II. The large cross-slatted front grille, flared wheel arches, wider tires, quad exhaust tips, and rear V12 badge were also exclusive to the Series III. 15,290 units were produced according to Robson Graham’s 2008 book A-Z British cars, 1945-1980.

This Car

This particular E-Type Series III, Chassis #UC1S20806BW, was built on June 12, 1972, and dispatched on October 24, 1972, to British Leyland Motors, Inc. in New York with $1,507 of optional equipment, including an automatic transmission, chrome wire wheels, whitewall tires, tinted glass, air conditioning, and a hard top. Bumper guards and a radio were installed by the selling dealership, St. Petersburg Sports Car Center, in St. Petersburg, FL. Who subsequently sold the car to its first owner a Mr. Charles George. 

In October 1974, the car was sold to its second owner, Owen J. Roberts, the founder of the management and economic consulting firm Capital Formation Counselors, Inc., also in Florida, with 16,958 miles on the odometer. Many service records are on file showing Capital Formation Counselors, Inc. often entrusted Wayne Purdy European Motors, Inc. in Clearwater, FL to complete routine maintenance and repairs. Later, in 1994, It was sold to the current owners who at that time live in FL. Upon relocating to PA in 2000, the car was continually used and enjoyed. It was regularly entrusted to Ragtops & Roadsters in Perkasie, PA for servicing and In 2019 the decision was made to complete a total engine rebuild.  Other systems were also tended to at that time, such as steering component rebuild, transmission reseal and overall review and sorting of any and all systems needing attention. 

The process concluded in late 2020, and included everything from new hoses, gaskets, bearings, and belts to new pistons, control arm bushings, ball joints, and a transmission reseal. The brakes at all four corners were also replaced along with the respective hardware, booster, and master cylinder, and a new wiring harness was installed. The fuel tank was bead blasted and painted with glyptol, and a new fuel level sending unit was installed. Over $80,000 later, the E-Type was left in mint running and driving condition. 

From 2024 to 2025, it returned to Ragtops & Roadsters for further sorting and interior work, totaling nearly $17,000. The seats were restored and reupholstered, the interior panels were refurbished, new carpet was installed, and the door lock cylinder was repaired amongst other items.

As it sits, this silver 1972 Jaguar E-Type Series III is a turnkey example with a no-corners-cut mechanical and interior restoration totaling nearly $100,000. Showing just over 78,700 miles on the odometer, this E-Type is incredibly well sorted and very user friendly given its specification. Offered with its original books/warranty booklet in pouch, jack, spare, and records from nearly new, this is a very complete and up-to-date example. 

The Market