Lot 115: Jaguar E-Type S3 FHC 2+2
After 10 years in production, the American specified, E-Type Jaguar was being strangulated by stringent US emission laws. The performance of the, American spec. 4.2 XK engine was a shadow of its European counterpart and was becoming a bit of an embarrassment. Something had to be done to address this problem.
In 1971 a new E-Type, the Series III, was launched and the performance problem was instantly solved. Under the bonnet of this new and much more aggressively styled E-Type one would find an all alloy, 5.3 litre, V12 engine, which produced nearly 300bhp and gave the car a top speed in excess of 145mph.
The specification of this new E-Type also included a wider track, longer wheelbase, bigger tyres, revised suspension, more cockpit space and a grill, where once there was just that unmistakable "D-Type" inspired mouth.
Some people were horrified by this E-Type on steroids but time has proven that the model is second only to the original 3.8 Roadster in popularity. The V12 delivers a similar set of performance figures to the early model but it does it in a totally different manner. The power delivery is turbine-like, the road manners are more polite and the comfort level is far superior. Purists may shudder but those of us who actually want to drive an E-Type, rather than merely admire it, will find the V12 the more user-friendly option.
Offered here is a FHC or 2+2 example of the S3, which is said to be complete with an extensive history file and a large number of previous MoT certificates in support of the of the mileage, which is warranted as 116000 over 36 years.
Finished in Azure with biscuit leather, the car is equipped with the highly desirable, manual transmission, full length Webasto sunroof and pressed steel wheels.
| Auction |
Classic, Collectors & Sports Cars Barons, Surrey |
|---|---|
| Type | Car |
| Lot Number | 115 |
| Estimate | £9500-£11000 |
| Outcome | SOLD |
| Hammer Price | £9700 |
| Hammer Price (inc premium) | - |
| Year | 1973 |
| Condition rating | 0 |
| Registration number | WEH648L |
| Mileage | - |
| Chassis number | 1S51718 |
| Engine number | 7S11235SA |
| Engine capacity (cc) | |
| Engine - cylinders | |
| Number of doors |