The classic for every occasion! Let’s face it, not many people drive a classic car daily or even anywhere near often enough. Well the owner of this car wanted a car he could drive and drive often. He started with an Australian delivered, RHD, manual Series 3 E Type roadster and set about making it an extreamly user friendly and capable classic that is able to be driven in any conditions. Not a boy racer, but more a distinguished gentlemans convertible!

The Jaguar Heritage Certificate accompanying the car confirms that this Series 3 V12 roadster left the factory on the 26th of May 1972 and was dispatched to British Leyland, Australia on the 23rd of June 1972. Finished in white and originally with black interior, the car is presented today in the original body colour but has been retrimmed in tan leather. The car retains it’s original engine and is numbers matching aside from the new 5 speed manual transmission.

Purchased through the Classic Throttle Shop on the 1st of July, 2011, the owner immediately set about a program of transforming what was an already a very presentable, original car, into a car for all occasions. This was always his intention and he didn’t rest until this outcome was achieved. The accompanying receipt file, which totals $350,000, details all of the upgrades performed over a 10 year period. A complete engine rebuild was carried out by Paradise Garage and a Tremac 5 speed manual transmission was fitted, along with a complete fuel injection system from a mid 1980’s Jaguar V12 added to the original engine. A Classic Fabs quad exhaust system was added and air conditioning integrated. Concours Sportscar Restoration then performed brake and suspension upgrades, cooling system upgrades, heater system upgrades and fitted the magnificent Turrino alloy rimmed wire wheels shod with Pirelli Cinturato 225/55VR16 tyres.

The next round of upgrades included a full retrim in tan by Stitched Up Custom Trim, with careful attention to sound and heat insulation of the cabin whilst a custom centre console to include dual cup holders was designed and integrated. Whilst the interior was out, Concours Sportscar Restoration installed a second air conditioning system, an electric system which is boot mounted and blows through the rear parcel tray. A new windscreen was installed and a new convertible top.

With all of that work done, there was only one thing left to do and that is enjoy the car!

Upon entering the cabin, the quality of the interior trimming is the first impression. The seat foams are just right, not too hard like many trimmers go for, and the Connolly leather is quite simply the best available. The centre console is a big improvement over the original black plastic item and houses the air conditioning controls and forward vents, provides charging outlets, a phone holder and those useful dual cup holders.

Starting the car is an effortless process – no choke lever to deal with, just turn the key and the fuel injected V12 fires up instantly from cold or in hot conditions. The sound from the magnificent Classic Fabs quad stainless steel exhaust system is the next sensory observation and lets bystanders know that this is a purposeful Jaguar indeed.

The clutch is not heavy and yet not too light, it’s just right, and the Tremac 5 speed provides slick changes and the benefit of an overdrive 5th gear which drops the revs down on the freeway to provide an effortless drive on the freeway.

Top up, or top down, the dual air conditioning systems provide modern car cooling which is a game changer in an E Type. Power steering is standard on a V12 E Type so going up in wheel size to provide a more purposeful stance doesn’t come with the usual trade off of making the steering unbearably heavy.

Turrino Wire Wheels in the UK make alloy rimmed wire wheels that are perfectly suited to the V12 E Type. Standard wheel size is 15 x 6, but these Turrino’s are 16 x 7.5 and with the bigger Pirelli tyres, simply transform the look of the big cat.

Once underway, the smoothness of the injected V12 combined with the slickness of the transmission are immediately noticeable. But when the urge presents itself and the opportunity arises to pick up the pace, the handling and braking upgrades provide a confidence that would satisfy just about any driver. All whilst listening to the magnificent exhaust note in total air conditioned comfort!

The asking price represents a significant loss for the seller, but as he says he has enjoyed his time with the car immensely and it has been a very satisfying process to achieve his desired result. But sadly the time has come for a new owner to be found and if you are after a classic Jaguar E Type that is as user friendly as one can be, for a fraction of the cost of doing it yourself well look no further.