1971 Jaguar E-Type

The most beautiful car in the world.

That's what “Il Commendatore” Enzo Ferrari said of the E-Type. Compliments don’t come any higher as this was from a man who was famously callous and dismissive of other manufacturers. Having looked over every inch of this stunning 1972 E-Type V12 Convertible, we tend to agree.

If you needed any further convincing of this car’s style and pedigree, you must only look to a list of people who have at one time or another owned an E-Type. From Frank Sinatra and Brigitte Bardot to George Best and Gentleman’s Journal style icon Steve McQueen, it’s a veritable who’s-who of social, sporting and singing icons. The E-Type is that sort of icon that springs to mind when we think of “La Dolce Vita”.

Unveiled to the public on the 15th of March 1961, the E-Type was perhaps the car that coined the term “show-stopper”. Public response to the car was nothing short of sensational and it drew a crowd everywhere it was shown. Penned by automotive aerodynamist Malcolm Sayer, the beautiful flowing lines and impossibly beautiful shape definitely tipped the cap to his past as an aircraft engineer and love for all things smooth and flowing.

At the time it was released, the E-Type was the fastest full production car in the world, boasting a top-speed of 241km/h. Initially starting as a 3.8 litre straight six, the E-type over its 13 year life progressed up through 4.2 litres, to then become the most powerful version of all which is the 5.3 litre V12 that we offer for sale here. With 203kw from its silky smooth power plant, the series 3 E-Type was capable of a 0-100 time of under seven seconds and a top speed in excess of 250km/h.

This beautiful 1971 convertible was delivered new to Michael Johnston who had saved for several years after seeing one in the mid-1960’s. He walked in Jaguar of London in 1971 and ordered the car brand new in red over black, in a manual convertible from the sales manager Stan Hiscock with whom he’d forged a relationship with over 4 years of saving to buy one.

The car was brought back with him to Australia in 1974 and was owned by him up until the late 90’s (having undergone a restoration in 1996) when he became invalid. The second owner Barry Morris owned the car up until he passed away just a few years ago where the current owner purchased the car through his connections to the Jaguar Owners Club.

With receipts for significant amounts, including the most recent one where the current owner had Peninsula Sports Cars go through the car from end to end and make sure it was absolutely spot on in every way (including new tyres and a full exhaust system) this E-Type drives better than you can possibly believe. Whether its a part of a collection, or a cherished companion that's used weekly, this E-Type will give its next custodian many years of enjoyment.