Jaguar ran its first V-12 automobile engine in 1964 and after years of testing and development, the company introduced its first production V-12 to the market in 1971. The new 5.3-liter V-12 was the first mass-produced V-12 to come to market in over 20 years and was Jaguar’s first new engine since the début of the post-war XK120 in 1948. The production engine, however, did not fit into the two-seat E-Type coupé, so the new motor was offered in roadster and 2+2 configurations only, with both sharing the longer 2,667-mm wheelbase chassis of the former 2+2 body introduced in 1966. Jaguar widened the front and rear track to accommodate the bigger and more powerful motor, which also necessitated a longer hood and chassis with a bigger air intake and grille. Flared wheel arches accommodate larger tires and wheels.

The new E-Type’s début was at the New York Auto Show on March 25, 1971. Known to aficionados as a Series III, the V-12 was offered from 1971–1975. During the four-year production run, a total of 15,287 examples were produced, including 1,718 roadsters in 1972. Some consider the Series III Roadster to be the best driving and most refined of the E-Types.

This E-Type was completed on May 24, 1972 and is finished in light blue with contrasting navy leather interior. Importantly, the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate has confirmed that the engine, body, and gearbox numbers match the build sheet indicating that they are original to the car. The 57,000 miles shown on the odometer is believed to be the mileage from new.

The history of this E-Type is unknown until its purchase in 1986 by a gentleman fulfilling a long time desire to own his dream car. He acquired car in Portland and drove it 3 hours south to his home near Roseburg, Oregon. It was parked in his home and there it rested until September of 2011, when it was pushed out of the garage and transported to the next caretaker’s home, just 15 miles away. A mechanical and cosmetic restoration was completed in September 2013 but its original leather interior was preserved instead of replaced.