1974 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12

Finished in Signal Red over tan leather, this 1974 Jaguar E-Type Series III is the V12 car that closed out the model's run, powered by the 5.3-litre Jaguar V12 and paired here with the four-speed manual gearbox. The Series III is the most usable of the E-Types, with power-assisted steering, a wider track and a smoother, more refined character than the earlier six-cylinder cars. The manual transmission is the more engaging choice over the optional automatic.

The car shows 29,000 miles and has been with its last owner for 21 years. It has just had a service from a renowned specialist costing £15,000, which should give a useful degree of confidence in the mechanicals of a V12 that rewards proper maintenance.

As an open-top roadster in a classic colour and trim combination, it has the look most people associate with the E-Type. With the long-bonnet proportions, the free-revving twelve and a manual gearbox, it makes a strong case as a usable classic.