Few cars hold a place in automotive history quite like the Jaguar E-Type. By the time the Series 3 arrived in 1971, it was designed to showcase Jaguar’s new smooth and torquey 5.3-litre V12 engine, originally developed for Le Mans racing. Available as either a Roadster or a 2+2 Coupé, the Series 3 could be spotted instantly by its cross-slatted front grille, flared arches, wider tyres, four exhaust tips, and the distinctive V12 badging at the rear.
The updates weren’t purely cosmetic either. Series 3 cars featured uprated brakes, power steering as standard, and a large horizontal scoop under the bonnet to aid cooling — making them far more usable grand tourers than their predecessors.
The Cars Story
This particular UK-supplied example was first registered in 1972 and finished in striking Jaguar Black, complemented by a black leather interior, black carpets, and a full-length Webasto sunroof. It enjoyed a full bare-metal restoration by R.N. Upton of Tamworth in 1988, and they continued to maintain it for much of its life.
Purchased in 1973 by its second owner from his accountant, the car stayed with him until his passing last year. Remarkably, it spent much of those years tucked away with little to no use, leaving it in need of careful recommissioning. With only two owners and low mileage, it was a rare find when we sourced it at auction on behalf of our customer. Despite its solid bodywork, it required a comprehensive rebuild to bring it back to life.
The Restoration Process
The remit was clear: rebuild and refresh the Jaguar mechanically and cosmetically to create a reliable foundation, while preserving originality. A bare-metal respray could follow in the future, but the priority was usability and mechanical soundness.
Engine rebuild – stripped down, inspected and rebuilt with all seals and worn components replaced.
Carburettors restored – stripped, cleaned, serviced and reassembled, with new fuel lines, clips and cables installed.
Suspension upgrade – fitted with new uprated suspension for a more responsive ride.
Cooling system refresh – new hoses and chrome water pipes, along with a brand-new water pump.
Wiring improvements – new engine-side wiring loom installed.
Chrome and brightwork – bumpers and trim carefully stripped and re-chromed, preserving the original parts with the car.
Hubs and running gear – rear hubs rebuilt and converted to centre lock, with new front centre lock hubs fitted.
Interior restoration – front seats reupholstered, missing headrests sourced, and a full interior decontamination with leather repair and conditioning completed.
Fuel system – new SU fuel pump fitted.
Suspension detailing – front suspension bushes and seals fully rebuilt.
Power steering – pump rebuilt for smoother performance.
Undercarriage protection – ice blasted and sealed for longevity.
Paint protection – two-stage machine polish followed by Unit-11’s Classic Ceramic Coating, safeguarding the delicate single-stage paint.
The Result
The result is a Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 that has been transformed from a long-dormant garage find into a car that is once again ready for the road. It now starts on the button, drives as intended, and showcases the unmistakable presence that makes the E-Type such an enduring icon.
With its sonorous V12 soundtrack, this car was built to devour B-roads and long-distance cruises alike. Thanks to the work carried out at Unit-11, it can finally do so again, with reliability, originality, and timeless style intact.