When the Jaguar E-Type was launched in 1961, it was not only sensational to look at and sensationally quick, it was also a sensational value for the money at half the price or less of the exotics it competed with and, quite arguably, bettered. Yet, over the years the performance of the 6-cylinder E-Types sold in the U.S. was neutered to some extent by looming federal regulations. In response, Jaguar made a bold move and developed the race-inspired all-aluminium 5.3L V-12 for the new SIII E-Type of 1971, making it the fastest accelerating E-Type and restoring its 140 MPH-plus top speed. Again, the pricing was equally sensational at less than one-third the cost of a Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona. Prior to that, in 1966, Jaguar had introduced a new range- topping 2+2 coupe that rode on a longer 105-inch wheelbase to allow for snug, but proper, fully upholstered rear seats with fold-flat seatbacks to create a really useful load bay accessed by the side-hinged tail gate. When the 2+2 coupe gained the lusty V-12 in 1971 to become the Series III, it was simply the most refined and versatile iteration of the E-Type, as well as the most expensive. A further refinement for an altogether more relaxed driving experience, and one that very much suited the car’s nature, was the option of a BorgWarner 3-speed automatic transmission, like the automatic transmission in this 1972 Series III 2+2 coupe, which Rick Grant purchased from White Allen Chevrolet in Dayton, Ohio, the same year it was made. That is in turn documented by a copy of the Ohio title dated December 29, 1972. The options list also included air conditioning, center-lock wire wheels and a heated rear window, all of which are fitted in this case, along with a Blaupunkt AM/FM radio. At $7,732, the more luxurious 2+2 coupe was over $400 more costly than the convertible, but in this case its top-line options would have tipped its list price to around $8,500 or more. Another notable feature of this silver-liveried car with a black leather interior and seat belts, both front and rear, is its single ownership for all of 50 years, not to mention its odometer reading, which shows just 21,822 miles.
