1972 Jaguar E-type smashes expectations at Baron's auction

Selling at more than double its expected top value, the E-type S3 FHC sold this week at a Baron's auction in the UK.

Earlier this week, the Baron's British Heritage Sale at Sandown Park in the United Kingdom featured some beautiful examples of British steel on the block. Drawing a lot of attention was the collection of late collector David Cheeseman, many of which were one-owner originals. Included in that stable of lovelies was a 1972 Jaguar E-type S3 FHC, one of the most iconic big cats ever made.

The E-type was expected to garner a lot of interest and had an expected gavel price of £17,500-£20,000 ($28,575-$32,658 USD). Instead, it sold for a whopping £45,372 ($74,087 USD). Bids were frenzied and coming from all fronts, including phone, Internet, and in the room.

Other Jaguars in the collection and up for auction included a XK150 Roadster (topping the sale at £50,000), an XK120 FHC, an MKII 3.8, a SEries One XJ6, a 1978 Triumph Stag, and more.

Many other cars were also there, of course. An XJ6 Series 2 SWB also sold above value at £13,732 (valued at £10,000). One of the more anticipated vehicles out of the Cheeseman collection was a red E-type S3 Roadster, under one ownership for 29 years and with under 60,000 miles, beat its top estimate by a few points at £42,072. Had it been 100 percent original, some believe it would have gone far higher.

The star of the auction was clearly the 1972 Jaguar E-type S3 FHC, however, as one of the most-recognizable Jags ever made. Although manufacture began in the 1961 model year, many enthusiasts see the last-generation (Series 3) as the pinnacle of the car's development, with the exception of the limited-edition Lightweight versions being rebuilt now.

The Series 3 (E-type S3) featured a 5.3-liter, twelve-cylinder engine, better braking, standardized power steering, and a short wheelbase despite its long hood and huge powerplant. About 7,297 Series 3 cars in the 2+2 configuration, as sold here, were made.