2025-06-20 16:55:05 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 6/25

www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/jaguar/1972-jaguar-e-type-22-series-3-2/

Auction description:

This beautifully finished 1972 2+2, is a UK market car that was exported to Norway, and then brought back to the UK 2 years ago. It is finished in "British Racing Green" with a green leather interior, fitted with a Webasto roof, it comes with two keys and is sold with a cherished ageless number plate.

The E-Type is fitted with chrome pressed steel wheels. While they show signs of age, they are free of kerb damage.

The Vredestein tyres date from 2011 and show plenty of even tread. Take a look through the gallery to see the detail.

Bodywork

The exterior car is smartly presented with no significant signs of damage. All of the panels have a flush fit and the passenger doors and bonnet open and close with ease. The boot lid requires a knack to shut properly. The underside of the car is positive and sealed with an undercoat. It all appears to be solid, with decent suspension mounts and wheel wells. The front jacking points show signs of corrosion. The engine bay, floor pan and boot floor looked good, with mild signs of age noted on the top of the spare wheel well.

Paint

The paintwork has a positive lustre and a consistent coverage, "British Racing Green" looks great on an E-Type. There are a handful of minor marks, the most noticeable being on the nearside boot well, where the paint has chipped due to the boot lid rubbing.

There are also a few minor cracks on the top of the rear nearside wing, a few minor chips on the bonnet and a small chip on the nearside wing just below the bonnet shut line. The marks and mild flattening of the shine in the photos are due to storage dust and dirt. We think a decent polish will restore most of the lustre.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good shape, a minor chip was noted in front of the driver's side of the windscreen. The seals are generally in good shape, although the boot lid and passenger door glass seal would probably benefit from a replacement. The lights and lenses look good.

The chrome trim displays well, with some cosmetic signs of age noted on the front bumpers and grille - some effort with some chrome cleaner would probably resolve these issues.

Interior

Well-kept and original, the lavish cabin is spacious and comfortable.

Seats and Carpets

The dark green leather seats are in good shape, with some mild age-related creases on the front pair. The driver-side seat doesn’t tip forward.

The carpets and mats are complete and are in decent condition with a few marks. We didn’t spot any signs of dampness. The boot lining is in good condition but in need of a clean.

Dashboard

The dashboard is smart, showing just a minor split on the centre console near the audio unit. The switches, controls and dials are cleanly presented. The tachometer dial bezels show a bit of its age. All controls are said to work, with the exception of the clock.

The fabric headlining and door cards are well presented. The boot lid door card will need re-attaching.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The wooden steering wheel looks good, with some nice patina on the horn rim, likely a replacement item.

The gear lever is tidy as pictured, including the leather surround.

Mechanics

The Series 3 V12 fulfils the E-Type as a grand tourer, offering a relaxed and luxurious driving experience.

Engine and Gearbox

The car starts up without any issues with the full choke. The engine sounded even with no unwanted noises or misfires we think, watch the video to hear it in action. The dashboard lights all remained off as the exhaust condensation cleared up. It fires up without issues when warm and there were no fluid leaks on the day. The engine presentation is positive, with decent hoses and ancillaries. There are a few signs of age on some of the metal components, but these appear to be mostly cosmetic. As mentioned previously, the engine is a replacement unit which has been rebuilt and then installed by one of the former keepers.

The manual gearbox operates with no reported faults, it engages gears without any negative feedback. The clutch has a good biting point, remaining controllable when reversing up a mild incline.

Suspension and Brakes

The ride is composed and deals with the road surface with no unwanted noises heard from the wheels. The suspension components are in good physical condition.

The car brakes smoothly, free of judders, squeals or vibrations.

The Drive

As the engine reached temperature, its purr sounded purposeful and consistent, as William accelerated up a steep incline. It's particularly effective in higher gears, demonstrating its torque. The acceleration is smooth and there was very little in terms of vibrations coming into the cabin. The stainless steel exhaust adds a pleasant thrum to the experience.

The car corners neatly, with no unwanted noises and the road bumps didn’t affect the directional stability. William is happy with the feel of the steering - it didn't vibrate or make any untoward sounds.

Electrics and Other

The car has a Webasto fabric roof and wind deflector fitted, which operated without fault. It is also fitted with a Pertronix electronic ignition for reliability.

History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~2 year ownership, this UK car has spent the last 30 years in Norway, where it has been maintained and renovated to an impressive level, including a rebuilt replacement engine.

First registered in April 1972, as what is believed to be an RHD UK market car, it was exported to Norway at some point in the 1980s and has seen a replacement and engine rebuild, as well as work to the suspension, brake and steering. It has also seen a new water pump, gear reduction starter and electronic ignition.

Imported back into the UK in 2023 by the current owner, the car also comes with its owner's booklet, parts catalogue, photos documenting the engine rebuild and two keys. It is MOT and Road Tax exempt.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.