Jaguar E-Type 1996 - Series 3 OTS Roadster - Manual

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025 on Saturday the 8th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. , A decade after the Jaguar E-Type arrived, the design progressively matured through various developments until 1971 when the Series 3 was introduced. Designed to showcase the new smooth and torquey 5.3-litre engine, originally developed for Le Mans, the Series 3 cars were available as a Roadster (convertible) or a 2+2 Coupé. These later cars are easily distinguished from their six-cylinder predecessors by the large cross-slatted front grille, flared wheel arches, wider tyres, a pronounced bonnet bulge, updated bumpers, four exhaust tips and a badge on the rear that proclaims it to be a V12. It also featured uprated brakes, power steering as standard and a large horizontal scoop added to the underside of the bonnet to assist with cooling.The interior was entirely new in the V12, with more comfortable seating, stylish new door panels and a smaller, dished and leather-rimmed steering wheel. Being slightly larger and altogether much softer in nature, the E-Type in Series 3 form had lost the wildness of its youth but gained the long-legged touring profile, to which it was arguably better suited. Approximately 7,990 Series 3 Roadsters were sold worldwide before production ceased in 1975.On offer at the NEC Classic Car Show 2025 is this UK-supplied, right-hand drive Series 3 Roadster, finished in black with biscuit upholstery and a matching black hood. First registered in London in 1973, the car was supplied new to its first owner and still retains its original registration, VLL 623M.The Jaguar is accompanied by a substantial history file, including receipts for a £90,000 refurbishment. This work included the replacement of the front wings, doors and boot lid, a full bare-metal respray in black, a retrim in biscuit coloured hide, an engine overhaul with new timing chains, and the installation of a refurbished manual gearbox. The instruments were refurbished, the dashboard upgraded for a more pleasing aesthetic and the wiring loom replaced at the same time. Although impossible to verify, our vendor believes the mileage showing to be correct and is substantiated by the documents within the file.Acquired by our vendor in 2018, the car has been enjoyed regularly on trips across the UK and Europe, where the V12 engine’s effortless power delivery has been fully appreciated. During this period, it has been maintained by marque specialists and fitted with new stainless wire wheels and bumpers, fresh tyres and a new hood with tonneau cover. It's fitted with a retro-style Bluetooth stereo system as a nod to modernity. Most recently, in September 2025, the Roadster was inspected by a V12 Jaguar specialist in Coventry, who carried out tappet adjustments, fitted new gaskets and completed a full vehicle inspection, with the invoice on file.A well documented, UK-supplied Series 3 Roadster, freshly inspected and maintained, offered in excellent order and ready to be enjoyed on the road or as part of a collection.