This forgotten Jaguar E-type could be worth £40k

It’s been hidden away for the past 40 years

You might think an iconic sports car is a difficult thing to overlook, but it seems even the most legendary models can be forgotten.

Case in point: this Series 3 Jaguar E-type was bought new back in 1971 and recently emerged from some 40 years in storage in a suitably dusty condition.

Such is the appeal of the marque and model, though, that this classic is still set to fetch a very healthy sum when it goes under the hammer with Silverstone Auctions later this month.

Looking for something with restoration potential? Here are all the details.

Distinctive machine

Even in its faded state, this intriguing machine remains a thing of beauty: from the long nose to the shapely rear, it’s instantly recognisable as an example of Jaguar’s evocative E-type.

Look a little closer and you’ll spot the glassy cabin and big boot that mark it out as a 2+2 variant, with room for two (small) passengers and their luggage in the back.

Vee for V12

Bought new in 1971, ‘VEE 12J’ – the registration is included in the sale – was finished in the first year of Series III production. That means it comes from the final batch of E-type machines and that, under the hood, there resides a meaty 5.3-litre V12 engine. Which explains the choice of number plate.

Brakes were better on the final run of E-types and power steering came as standard, while on the charge it was good for 0-60 in 6.8 secs and topped out at 135mph.

Blue when new

So it was quite the car and, thanks to its blend of speed, style, practicality and fair pricing, it was popular, too: some 15,000 Series 3 machines made it into being.

But what of this one? Well, not much is known of its life in the ’70s, but we do know that it was bought new in light blue and came equipped by the factory with an automatic transmission – and it retains both of those elements today.

Driven then hidden

How it was driven in the ’70s remains a mystery – we think the odometer reads 26,000 miles, but it’s not entirely clear from the listing images.

Whatever the case, ‘VEE 12J’ was consigned to storage at the end of the decade, and there it would remain for the next 40 years, under the ownership of the same person who originally bought it, until it emerged only recently.

Taking on fluids

Unlike many a barn-find, though, this E-type wasn’t entirely forgotten. Once the owner remembered they’d stashed a valuable Jag somewhere, it was wheeled out and given a careful once-over.

The fuel system was cleaned, fresh spark plugs, oil, filters and starter motor were fitted and, with a vroom, it reportedly burst back into life. Talk about quality engineering.

The brake system has also been given some attention and all the car’s fluids refreshed – which even the best of us would need after a slumber of several decades.

Old but still gold

According to the catalogue, despite its age and the maintenance – or lack thereof – that it’s received since the late ’70s, the E-type’s engine still turns over freely and drives “superbly”.

Likewise, the bodywork is in remarkable condition, with no gaping holes, drastic rust patches or even any historic welds. That’s not to say it doesn’t need attention, mind, as the faded paintwork and speckled chrome don’t exactly scream ‘concours’, but it’s no corroded banger.

Perfect platform

And, speaking of concours events, this Series 3 is surely the ideal platform for a restoration. 

Yes, it’s a little worse for wear, but it’s nevertheless an original, matching-numbers machine with just a single owner since new and a complete, unmolested chassis and shell – and its interior still looks to be as appealing as the day it was finished, all tan leather and luxury, if a little dusty.

Prized project

Indeed, the condition of the right-hand drive relic is the reason for its price tag. Pristine Series 3 E-types can fetch £65k; excellent ones change hands for closer to £50k. The asking price for this unrestored example? A mere £35-40k.

If that sounds like a lot for a 48-year-old car that’s spent most of its life gathering dust in someone’s garage, you’re forgetting the exponential growth in the allure of the E-type badge in the new millennium – and the value of originality.

Plenty on the menu

Interested in taking on the challenge of bringing this light-blue beauty back to its ’70s best? Then you’ll need to bring your chequebook to the Silverstone Classic Sale on Sunday 28 July and bid wisely.

Good luck!