1971 Jaguar E-Type Series III Coupe  Registration Number: J...

Estimate

£38,000 - £42,000

1971 Jaguar E-Type Series III Coupe 

Registration Number: JMA 32K                       
Chassis Number: 1S50576
Recorded Mileage: c.52,000 miles

- Original RHD, manual coupe
- Matching numbers example
- Recently restored to current condition
- An excellent driving example

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.

As confirmed in the accompanying Heritage Certificate, this attractive later Series III coupe, fitted with the desirable four-speed manual gearbox, was built in October 1971, to be supplied via dealer Ernest Hatfield of Sheffield to its first owner, a Dr R.M. Kinsey. The Jaguar was finished in British Racing Green with a Cinnamon interior, originally granted with the registration mark MWJ 474K. Upon changing hands to another local man, Mr. Charles Gascoyne in 2008, the E-Type acquired the registration 111 ACG, changing again to 882 WKY in 2010 when acquired by a Mr. North of Brigg in Lincolnshire. After ownership changed in 2017 the E-Type acquired the current age-related plate of JMA 932K.

When purchased the E-Type, by then painted in red, had been in dry storage for several years and so was ready for some sympathetic refurbishment. Over the last two years the car was comprehensively restored to the condition you see here, documented by a file outlining the restoration works. The engine, running gear, glass and interior were removed, a new bonnet fitted, and the bodywork refinished in metallic British Racing Green.

The engine was thoroughly overhauled and serviced, the entire braking system renewed, then the suspension completely rebuilt with new springs and uprated Boge shock absorbers. Much of the wiring was replaced. A new clutch was fitted, as were a new set of Pirelli tyres and a new tail fan for the stainless steel exhaust. Pleasingly the original interior was deemed good enough to be retained, and so was thoroughly cleaned and refitted. 

Now showing 52,000 miles recorded, supported by a number of MoT certificates dating back to 1977 (at 49,395 miles), this matching numbers example is offered complete with a number of invoices for works completed, and Jaguar Heritage Certificate.

Understood to perform very well on the road, this restored manual RHD example is quite possibly the E-Type to own and drive in the modern world.