The Jaguar E-Type is a true legend. One that enjoyed a 12-year production run, evolving from a delicate six-cylinder sports coupé into a comfortable (yet no less lively) grand tourer in the form of the last V12 2+2 models. It needs no introduction, having been voted as both the most beautiful car of all-time, as well as one of the most important.
Whether a flat-floor 3.8 or a last-of-the-line V12, the iconic Jaguar sports car is an all-time classic.
This one is one of the later examples – a 1973 Roadster, equipped with Jaguar’s wonderful 5.3-litre V12 engine and manual transmission. It was originally exported to the USA by British Leyland of New York and spent much of its life with long-term owners in Illinois, who restored the car in the late 1990s and entered it on the US concours circuit, winning multiple concours awards.
It was imported to the UK by well-respected specialists XK Engineering and was purchased by the vendor seven years ago to use as a summer classic – but with a busy work life he has barely used the car for the past year and has decided it’s time for a new home. He has kept up the condition of the car to the standard it has been used to, including renewing the blue mohair hood to bring it up to the same condition as the exemplary presentation of the rest of the car, which remains in remarkable show condition.
It’s a truly gorgeous car in equally wonderful order, and a terrific example of a genuine V12 E-Type that deserves to be cherished, exhibited and preserved. A collector-quality example of an all-time British icon.
The History and Paperwork
UK V5C
MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Large file of invoices and paperwork going back to the 1990s
Copy of US ownership documents showing long-term owner in Illinois
Concours documentation from shows that the car was exhibited in and some that it won
File showing work carried out by the current owner since he acquired it in late 2016, including invoices for regular servicing and a new roof
Photographic record of much of the rebuild work including before and after pictures
Original handbooks, radio manual and lubrication chart
Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate confirming a build date of July 1973 as a US-spec open two-seater
The Condition
Stunning silver paintwork with an exceptional finish
Very smart underneath with correct silver paint on lower valances
Chassis appears solid with no apparent corrosion
Excellent chrome, trim and badges
Nearly new blue mohair hood
Clear rear screen
Tonneau cover
Period correct vintage style white band tyres
Restored blue leather upholstery, seats in superb order
immaculate carpets and door cards
Leather-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel
Original (functional) British Leyland AM/FM radio
Factory air con
Original tools
This is an absolute stunner of a car, having been professionally repainted to a very high standard by several years ago and maintaining the gorgeous paint finish that has won it awards in the past. It is almost blemish-free and looks incredible, with the colour being matched to the original silver that it left the Brown’s Lane factory in.
The underside appears sound with no obvious corrosion and has been wax-protected, while the vendor has recently had a new blue mohair hood fitted, with a matching tonneau cover.
The chrome and trim are excellent and the steel wheels are equipped with the correct chrome wheel trims.
Inside, the E-Type is in beautiful overall condition with stunning blue leather seats retrimmed when the car was restored and matching carpets and door cards in as-new condition, complete with remote-operated mirror toggles. The luggage bay and spare wheel hatch, where the original tools are concealed, are also in fine order.
A particularly appealing feature is the car’s period British Leyland AM/FM radio – a US-specific optional extra and a very expensive one in its day.
All of the dials and controls work as they ought to, while the overall condition of the cabin is stunning, set off nicely by a vast bank of switches and a smart three-spoke leather-rimmed sports steering wheel.
The Mechanics
5.3-litre V12
Rare manual transmission
Suspension, braking system and steering completely overhauled
Opus electronic ignition
Recent carburettor overhaul
Last serviced with 12 new spark plugs less than 500 miles ago
Jaguar’s mighty V12 is an impressive engine and this one appears to be a great example, starting on the button and running smoothly, with good oil pressure. It has a modernised Opus ignition system fitted and a documented record of work carried out, with all of the suspension and braking components having been overhauled within the last few thousand miles.
It has been used only in dry weather by the vendor and kept garaged, with an annual service at a local specialist. The vendor reports that the car drives superbly and with no known or apparent faults.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
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Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster
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