Series III E-Type improvements
When the new Series III was launched in March 1971 it not only had the beautiful new V12 engine but it had many other obvious differences from the Series II that it replaced. The air intake ?mouth? in the bonnet was enlarged and a chrome grille had been added along with a low mounted air scoop to enhance cooling. The wheel arches were flared and extended to cover the four inch wider track and bigger wheels (up from five inches to six inches). Only a roadster and 2+2 Coupe were offered and both were built on the longer 2+2 wheelbase. In the superseded series one and two, the roadster and fixed head coupe versions had been built on a shorter wheelbase. The overall effect gave the Series III car a more aggressive stance and more "muscular" appearance.
Power steering and a limited slip differential were standard and an anti-roll bar and anti-dive geometry had been added to the front suspension along with improved brakes. The front subframes were "beefed up" to handle the power of the V12 and a four outlet exhaust tailpipe indicated that this car was different.
Inside, detailed improvements were made including a smaller leather rimmed sports steering wheel, new seats and slightly revised dash layout, improved heating and ventilation and optional retractable seat belts.
Because the longer wheelbase was used for both models, the roadster was available with automatic transmission for the first time.