272 bhp, 5,343 cc V-12 engine with four Zenith-Stromberg carburettors, four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, and hydraulic four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 105"

- From the final E-Type production year

- RHD, four-speed manual gearbox, powerful V-12 engine

After the first Jaguar E-Type sports cars arrived late in 1961 with inline six-cylinder power, the design progressively matured through 1971 with smooth V-12 power. Known as Series III cars, they also featured a larger bonnet bulge, larger, flared wheel openings, a slightly wider track, a revised grille and updated bumpers. The convertible now rode on the longer 105-inch wheelbase. As a result, the doors and sills were longer, and the length and depth of the floor pan increased. A large horizontal scoop was added to the underside of the bonnet to assist in cooling. The interior was entirely new in the V-12, including the seats and door panels. The centre console was now vacuum-formed with a simulated leather finish, and a smaller, dished and leather-rimmed steering wheel was fitted.

With power brakes and steering, a 272-horsepower V-12 and a fully synchronised four-speed transmission, these cars were very capable and refined grand touring machines, while retaining the sensuous lines of their predecessors.

The 1974 Jaguar E-Type Series III Convertible presented here is finished in dark blue with a black leather interior and matching black carpets. Restored in 1992, the car has been exceptionally maintained since, and invoices on file indicate about £4,000 of mechanical servicing conducted in late October 2010, including brake and exhaust work. The paint, chrome and brightwork all remain in very nice condition, and the leather seats sport a lovely patina that could very well be original. Everything is professionally detailed down to the engine bay. Equipped with a four-speed manual transmission and an AM/FM radio, this Series III E-Type rides on standard 15-inch steel wheels shod with Pirelli P5 tyres.

This right-hand drive example features the European specification bumpers as opposed to the larger and rather unattractive U.S.-spec bumpers. With its handsome colour combination, four-speed transmission and V-12 engine, this car begs to be driven and enjoyed.