Story and History

1972 Jaguar E Type Roadster series III V12 - manual gears & 46.000 miles only

Very pleased to describe for you an exceptional low-mileage RHD, manual V12 E Type in period Primrose Yellow, with only 4 keepers from new.

This car came to us through established Jaguar retailer Sturgess of Leicester. Awarded the Jaguar franchise in 1947 by Sir William Lyons, Sturgess are possibly one of the oldest Jaguar retailers in constant, unbroken ownership.

Based in Leicester, Sturgess have been lucky enough over the period to handle some of the most significant Jaguars. Supplying renowned racing driver Dick Protheroe with his early racing E Types, to the chassis no. 12 Series I E Type that was BBC registered, featured in the cult film the Italian Job, and that is now in loving care of Jaguar historian Philip Porter. Who better to receive an E Type from then?

This E Type was first registered & sold in 1972 by J. R. J. Mansbridge to J. Jenkinson, who looked after her for a brief 3 years, she then changed hands to a more committed owner, Mr Sly, for the next 28 years until 2003.

Mr Sly entrusted Moulten Chapel Motors of Lincolnshire to care for her during his period of E Type custodianship.

Mr Sly (who actually never registered the car in his name) then sold the car to Mr J. Miller, at 41,005 miles after 41 years on the road, quite remarkable for such a car. Mr J. Miller rightly kept various paperwork to add to the history of the car, again using a local and trusted dealer near him the West Midlands, David Manners Ltd, to carry these out.

After Mr J. Miller, Chris Sturgess of Sturgess of Leicester not only took over ownership, but also carried out some phenomenal works, of which all invoices are kept in the history, along with a photographic story of the works.

The works include front and rear suspension overhaul, engine updates, new chrome spoked wheels & tyres, and renowned Suffolk & Turley trimming specialist fitted front carpets in 2015. A truly well documented period of its life, with over £13,297 spent.

These improved the cosmetic and mechanical aspects to the E type, with over 155 hours of caring attentions including an engine out detailing of the under bonnet areas too (all photographed) and all carried out to the incredibly high standard of official Jaguar dealership Sturgess of Leicester.

The car comes with this comprehensive history file, and she must be seen to be truly admired.

Now displaying only 46,000 miles and having spent a period of time used for display purposes in the Sturgess Jaguar Showrooms she, as would be expected is a delight to behold.

Delightfully the original vinyl soft top remains with the car & is in remarkable condition – of course the usual repair panels have been applied!