1972 Jaguar XK E-Type V12 Roadster

Originally designed for Jaguar by Malcolm Sayer as a replacement for the legendary D-Type, the E-Type has always been known as one of the most desirable automotive designs ever. None other than Enzo Ferrari called it “the most beautiful automobile in the world”, and nothing could touch its performance throughout the late 60’s. Its perennial top position on nearly every desirable automotive list in the world is testament to the design and the performance.

After years of testing and development, the company introduced its first production V-12 to the market in 1971. The new 5.3-litre V-12 was the first mass-produced V-12 to come to market in over 20 years and Jaguar’s first new engine since the début of the post-war XK120 in 1948. Jaguar widened the front and rear track to accommodate the new power, which also necessitated a longer hood with a low mounted air intake and larger grille. Flared wheel arches accommodate larger tires necessary to handle the increase in top speed. The “Big Cat” could easily reach 145 MPH, and could achieve 0-60 MPH in less than 7 seconds.

The new E-type’s debut was at the New York Auto Show on March 25, 1971. Known to aficionados as a Series III, the V-12 was offered from 1971–1974. During the four-year production run, a total of 15,287 examples were produced, including 1,718 roadsters in 1972. Painted a classic combination of Old English White over dark blue hides, this lovely E-Type is wearing the color scheme with which it was born, and 95% of the paint is original, save a few minor paint chip repairs in 1990. It has never been restored, the engine has never been out of the car, and it shows just 6,400 original miles. The original documents supplied with the car indicate this vehicle was purchased at Brooks Imported Cars in Lansing, MI on December 13, 1972, for a total price of $10,120.90, which included the chrome wire wheels, whitewall tires, tinted glass, air-conditioning, AM/FM radio, and accessory hard top.

1972 represents a great year for the E-Type, as the worst period of smog restrictions were not yet in place, and the US Safety regulations did not yet require the large bumpers that would appear in 1973. With its longer wheelbase, the Series III E-Type features more legroom and luxury than ever, and is one of the great grand touring autos of all time. In any condition, a V12 E-Type represents an amazing entry into the world of 12-cylinder motoring, and in this case, it’s an example that has never been altered.

• 5.3L SOHC 60 degree all-aluminum V-12 engine
• 90 x 70 mm bore and stroke
• 9:1 compression
• 272 HP
• Top speed 143 mph (rear axle ration 3.31:1)
• 0-60 mph in 7.2 secs.
• 0-100 mph in 18.4 secs.
• Three speed automatic transmission
• Independent front suspension with semi-trailing wishbones, torsion bars, telescopic shock absorbers, and anti-roll bar
• Independent rear suspension with lower transverse tubular links, radius rods, universally jointed half-shafts, twin coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers
• Four-wheel Girling disc brakes
• Wheelbase 105 in.
• Fully documented 2-owner car with just 6,400 miles from new
• Original paint, interior, chrome, and glass throughout
• Factory chrome wire wheels, air conditioning, power steering, and factory hardtop

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