Lot details Registration No: XRD727J Chassis No: 1S50187BW Mot Expiry: Aug 2010
By 1971, Jaguar's jaw-dropping E-Type had been in production for a decade. Despite continual improvements, new emissions legislation in the all-important American market threatened to strangle the big cat's performance. Jaguar responded by giving its revered sports car fresh claws in the shape of a 5343cc V12 developed from the stillborn XJ13 Le Mans project car. The new engine was both effortlessly powerful and eerily refined. "The turbine-like smoothness with which the engine provides a sustained shove in the back is almost uncanny, the more so when one accelerates hard in top gear without even a gearchange to interrupt one's headlong dash into the distance". (Autocar 5th July 1973) With some 272bhp and 304lbft of torque on tap, the Series III E-Type once again had 150mph in its sights. A revised wheelbase yielded better cabin space and together with wider tracks front and rear, new anti-dive front suspension geometry and fatter tyres gave improved road holding. Imbued with a more muscular stance thanks to its flared wheelarches, re-profiled wings and larger grille, it also benefited from vented disc brakes and a restyled interior.
Finished in light blue with dark blue leather upholstery, this particular example is said to have been the subject of "a photo restoration circa 1990" and to have had "very little use since" (as shown by accompanying MOT certificates). Reported to have had just three keepers over the last twenty-nine years and to have been in the current ownership for fourteen of those, 'XRD 727J' is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its bodywork, paintwork and original interior trim. While, he adds that (a) the engine is "smooth and quiet with good oil pressure" and (b) the automatic transmission "changes well with no bad noises". Understood to have won its class at a car show during 2005 and as a pre-1973 car to be eligible for historic class (free) road tax, this appealing E-type is offered for sale with original instruction book and MOT certificate valid until August 2010.
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