Story and History

1973 Jaguar E Type V12 Series III Automatic

A very unusual E Type here, being in completely original, unmolested and un-restored condition

More over having lived in Germany exclusively since 1984 she is even more out of the ordinary

Supplied through Henleys of London in early 1973 she was first registered RLH 970L she is one of the scarcer RHD, UK supplied V12 roadsters, and still finished in her original Pale Primrose Yellow with Black hide interior and automatic transmission

It is clear that she has under gone no restorative works, although the engine bay is bright and shiny, whilst the wire wheels are of the larger, dished and rather dashing variety

Twin door mirrors finish off the exterior look, whilst the soft top and tonneau cover are as they left the factory - the soft top does have 2 repair panels in the usual spot adjacent to the door shut

Being the original hood means that when fitted she is snug to the screen rail and offers minimal wind noise - very hard to find when a replacement has been fitted

The Fahrzeugbrief (the German ownership / log book document) accompanying the limited paperwork evidences a stamp for every year since 1984 whilst in Germany and the Heritage Certificate confirms the original specification

There is also an 8 page technical report prepared in 2006 for the last owner by respected Rudolf Lang when the car was most recently purchased

I first met this very nice chap in the 1990's when I supplied his close chum a Silver Shadow II and also another E Type Series III automatic

Anyhow I digress, our intrepid last custodian has a varied collection including pre-war Bentley's and etc

Since arrival here in London we have driven her both in town and out, on A roads, country lanes and motorways

The oil pressure sits nicely above the required 40lb at 2.000rpm and the temperature gauge is handled perfectly by the efficient electric fans in heavy London traffic

All other gauges operate properly too, even the clock, which is most unusual and also rather reassuring actually

Obviously properly maintained whilst in Germany she is actually a refreshing change

We are just giving her a "colour tune" so that the running is faultless as well re-bushing the suspension set up and renewing the shock absorbers at the same time - these V12's have a simply wonderful ride / handling compromise and when mated to the 3 speed Borg Warner gearbox are simply delightful to drive

The Classic car market is becoming increasingly aware of the scarcity of unmolested cars and they will soon carry a premium as they become rarer still - our V12 will certainly ride the crest of the same wave