1972 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES III FIXED HEAD COUPE Registration...

Hammer

£37,500

1972 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES III FIXED HEAD COUPE

Registration Number: UTE 365L
Chassis Number: 1S.51481
Recorded Mileage: 26,000 miles

- UK delivered from new in RHD specification
- More desirable four-speed manual gearbox
- Two private family owners from new, the first until 2008

Whilst the concept of the Jaguar E Type was without doubt one of the finest pieces of automotive design ever to be put into general production, one of the problems with its continued development was the inevitable weight gain. Throughout the 1960s ever more stringent safety legislation emanated from the USA and, as this market was a major breadwinner for Jaguar, it was perhaps unavoidable that the purity of the original design would be compromised to compete within it. Emissions legislation had forced the adoption of twin Stromberg carburettors on trans-Atlantic bound cars resulting in a reduction in power to 177bhp instead of the quoted 265bhp for European examples breathing through triple Webers.

However, the balance was to be redressed with the introduction of the Series 3 model powered by Jaguar’s new 5.3-litre, overhead camshaft V12 developing 272bhp. This resulted in a top speed in excess of 140mph with 0-100 mph taking just 16 seconds, the fastest ever acceleration figures for the model. Revisions to the running gear included anti-dive geometry on the front suspension and ventilated disc brakes. Power steering was standard and flared wheel arches were incorporated to allow fitment of wider rubber to maintain grip. A deeper radiator aperture with chrome grille completed the restyle. With manual or automatic transmission options the Series 3 ensured the immortal E Type would survive into the new decade of the 1970s.

First registered on 1st December 1972, finished in Regency Red with a Tan leather interior, and specified with a manual gearbox, this super original matching numbers example has been in the care of just one family for the majority of its life, with only one subsequent private owner.

The E-Type was purchased new by a Mr. Ronald Bryan of the West Midlands, keeping the car for the next 27 years, at which point the car was passed to his son Mark Bryan. Mark enjoyed the car for a further 8 years before selling to the next and last private owner, Mark Stowell in 2006. In his ownership the E-Type was serviced and maintained by his local garage in Devon.

A detailed history file contains a number of MoT certificates dating back to 1990 at 17,000 miles, with a current mileage reading of approximately 26,000 miles. Whilst we are unable to warrant this mileage, it is not inconceivable that this could be correct. We understand the paintwork was finished to its original shade some years ago and still presents extremely nicely, the chromework also is in very good order. The original tan leather interior has been very well preserved, and presents well with a more recently fitted carpet set. The E-Type is complete with original tool roll and jack, and fitted with a period-correct radio.

We understand the engine fires easily, coming up to good oil pressure with no smoke, the gear changes correctly, and overall this is a very driving example. All in all a very genuine example of the final development of the classic E-Type design.