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LOT 117 Lipstick Red
Jaguar’s first all-new engine since the XK motor of 1948, the magnificent V12, proved to be another masterpiece of engineering. Designed by Harry Mundy and Walter Hassan, the all-alloy unit displaced 5.3 litres with a single overhead camshaft per bank and developed 272 bhp. Originally intended for the new XJ sedan, Jaguar also breathed new life into the E-type by redesigning it to accommodate the new V12 and the Series III was launched in 1971 in both roadster and 2+2 guise. Apart from the longer wheelbase needed to fit the V12 under the shapely bonnet, the Series III E-type had a larger front intake, reshaped wheelarches to fit 15 inch wheels and a re-designed cockpit. The V12 had a very different character to the six-cylinder E-types, with smooth, seamless power in abundance, more emphasis on creature comforts, but was still capable of turning some impressive numbers, including 0-60 mph in just 6.5 seconds and a top speed approaching 150 mph. This bespoke Jaguar E-type started life as a California car in 1974 before being totally transformed by Sovereign Motors of Santa Rosa, California in the early 1990s with a special 48-valve, quad-cam engine, a new Borg-Warner T5 gearbox, twin plate clutch, stronger rear suspension and heavy duty brakes. Stroked to 6.7 litres, V12 had two four-valve heads from late model AJ6 engines a custom steel crank, plus Electramotive fuel injection and was dyno tested at a mighty 640 bhp. The body also came in for a little treatment, with the rear wheelarches re-profiled to fit bigger rubber plus a seamless bonnet. In this form, the unique car was extensively featured in Jaguar World’s April 1993 edition. Three years later, the Jaguar came to Australia and was professionally converted to right-hand drive by specialists in Melbourne. In March 2002 the current owner took over and has spent the last seven years further enhancing the already impressive E-Type, sparing no expense to bring the car to the present condition. Virtually every part was rebuilt; the engine with new pistons, rebuilt heads and new timing case, Motec M800 injection replacing the old Electramotive system, a new radiator, a custom exhaust fabricated, the steering overhauled, the suspension rebuilt, the front brakes replaced with AP racing 4-spot calipers and the body completely restored with new paint. The interior has been totally re-trimmed, with Ferrari seats, new carpets, trim, restored instruments and a rare Nardi wheel the finishing touch. Having travelled less than 1,000 miles since completion, the Jaguar comes with extensive documentation including a photo album showing the seven year rebuild. Sold with NSW registration number AY52YD (Expires 10.2010) if sold to a NSW based buyer.
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