1974 Jaguar E-type Series 3 V12 Roadster
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HIGHLIGHTS
- In very good condition
- Matching numbers
- Original paint
- Bespoke interior
- Three owners from new
- Overhauled engine
- Overhauled mechanics
- A grand tourer of great charm, with a truly unique set-up
THE APPEAL
The E-Type is probably the most famous Jaguar and one of the best known and most recognizable cars of all time. As soon as it was launched in 1961, it amazed the world with its top speed of 150mph, with its thrilling and aerodynamic bodywork and with its relatively affordable price.
Available as a two-seater roadster or as an elegant fastback coupé with side-hinged tailgate, it adopted the proven 3.8-litre inline six-cylinder XK DOHC engine with three SU carburettors with 265 cv.
The result of a long and complex project, the E-Type developed the innovative rounded and aerodynamic design of the racing D-Type, three time winner at Le Mans, from which it inherited its sophisticated monocoque architecture and presented technical solutions of great calibre for the era as the independent suspension and disc brakes.
From 1964, the displacement was increased to 4.2 liters and a fully synchronized gearbox was introduced, and in 1967 the peculiar headlight covers were removed.
The evolution continued with changes to the interior, in which the toggle switches on the dashboard were replaced by rocker switches and with a thorough restyling for the second series, with a larger front air intake to improve cooling, and new full-width rear bumper.
In 1973 the third series E-Type was presented, equipped with the new, powerful 5.3-litre 272 hp aluminium V12, the first entirely new Jaguar engine since 1948, bound to remain in production for almost thirty years.
Based on the 2+2 coupé version, with a longer wheelbase and widened tracks, it offered remarkable performance and greater comfort, with a more welcoming interior and refined options such as automatic gearbox and air conditioning.
This beautiful E-Type from 1974 is in very good shape, with carefully tuned mechanics, original paint and partially restored interiors graced by precious period customizations.
Imported into Italy from the United States, it has been registered with the ASI (Italian Historic Automotoclub) since 2012 and has been awarded an ASI Gold Plate which certifies its compliance with the original specifications and its excellent state of preservation.
It is also accompanied by a large set of spare parts and use and maintenance booklets, repair manuals, workshop manuals and its original radio still in the box.
This extraordinary car, maintained with the utmost care and attention by its passionate and competent third owner, is a high quality example of the latest, most powerful and refined E-Type, a thoroughbred of rare charm that will give immense joy and satisfaction to its next caretaker.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Sold in the USA
- Only three owners from new
- In Italy since 2006
- ASI (Italian Historic Automotoclub) Gold Plate registered
- Certificates of historical relevance and historicity
- MOT valid until 2025
- Use and maintenance booklets and manuals
Sold in the United States and in Italy since 2006, this Series 3 E-Type has only had three dedicated owners.
Its third owner since 2012, known and respected in the world of historic Italian motoring, has driven it in important international events and has always maintained it with the utmost care.
The comes with Italian documents and is registered as a vehicle of historical interest.
It has been registered with the ASI (Italian Historic Automotoclub) since 2012 and has been awarded an ASI Gold Plate, which certifies its compliance with the original specifications and its excellent state of preservation.
This E-Type is accompanied by use and maintenance booklets, repair manuals, workshop manuals and its original radio still in its box.
THE INTERIOR
- In very good general condition
- Reupholstered seats
- Customized dashboard with burlwood details
- Tonneau cover
- Original radio
The interior of this E-Type is in very good condition and features refined custom burlwood panelling on the dashboard, commissioned by its second owner, a leading racing driver.
Comfortable and welcoming seats reupholstered in blue leather, flawless door panels, precious new electric blue carpets and a colour-coordinated soft top and soft top cover create an environment of irresistible charm and add a touch of luxury and exclusivity which further distinguish this car.
The iconic Motolita three-spoke steering wheel with wooden rim is enhanced by the enamel horn button in excellent condition with Jaguar branding.
The instrument panel houses two large circular Smith dials, while auxiliary gauges and a long row of switches are housed in the center console.
The automatic transmission features an elegant custom wood finish and the modern stereo system is well integrated. The original radio is available, yet to be installed and kept in its original box.
All surfaces are in very good condition, free from scratches or discolouration, with shiny brightwork and intact plastics.
On the third series E-Types the seats are comfortable and well padded and, despite sitting just a few inches from the road, the driving position is ideal and visibility is excellent.
In this E-Type, the great attention to detail and the exquisite specifications make the passenger compartment particularly luxurious, giving it the flair of a highly refined and prestigious grand tourer.
This roadster is capable of performances which are still impressive today and, thanks to the generous torque of the powerful V12 combined with the automatic transmission and the power steering, it guarantees smooth, silent and refined driving and remarkable pick-up.
The incomparable melody created by this glorious engine is made even more engaging by the handcrafted exhausts fitted on this car, which make every press on the gas pedal an experience that would delight any enthusiast and, together with the great charm of the passenger compartment and the sight over the long bonnet while driving, gives unforgettable emotions.
THE EXTERIOR
- In very good general condition
- Solid bodywork
- Original paint
- Soft top cover
- Tonneau cover
- Knock-off wire wheels
- New whitewall tires
- Clean underbody with no signs of wear
The E-Types from the third series are easily recognizable for some important aesthetic changes, such as the widened fenders, the chrome-plated front grille, the double front bumpers, the wider rear bumper and the proudly displayed V12 logo on the trunk.
The original silver gray paint is in very good condition, and is enhanced by shiny brightwork, lettering and badges and flawless headlights.
Exterior details include a stylish blue convertible top with a colour-coordinated soft top cover, a useful tonneau cover and beautiful knock-off wire wheels with new whitewall tyres.
The clean and intact underbody is in very good condition, without any sign of rust or leaks.
Extremely elegant, this E-Type stands out on the outside as on the inside for the careful attention to detail and the refined and timeless colour combinations, fully expressing the new soul of the latest 3 Series, closer in nature to upmarket grand tourers from prestige brands such as Aston Martin, Jensen and Maserati than to the aggressive, uncompromised sports cars that inspired the first E-Types.
THE MECHANICS
- 5.3 liter V12 engine with 272 hp
- Three-speed automatic transmission
- Four Zenith-Stromberg carburettors
- Electronic ignition
- Power steering
- Overhauled mechanics
- All gaskets replaced
- Bespoke exhaust system
- Knock-off wire wheels
- New whitewall tyres
- Many spare parts
- Always maintained with extreme care
By opening the long bonnet of this E-Type, which also includes the fenders and gives ample access to the mechanics and chassis, we can admire the recently repainted engine compartment and the excellent level of presentation of the powerful 5.3-litre V12 engine, one of the few twelve cylinders available in those years.
Fueled by four carburettors and equipped with electronic ignition, this engine produces 272 hp and lots of torque.
The mechanics of this car, scrupulously fine-tuned by its current owner, have been completely overhauled and the seller guarantees that each component is efficient and in excellent working order.
All the seals and gaskets have been replaced recently, including those on the engine.
The gearbox has recently been overhauled and the Stromberg carburettors have been disassembled and restored by expert mechanics and are fitted with new floats.
The shock absorbers are new and the steering and front end have been carefully serviced.
The braking system has been completely overhauled, with the replacement of the pump, brake servo, calipers, discs, pads and all the pipes.
The exhausts were custom built and provide an engaging sound. The original exhausts are in good condition and will be delivered with the car.
The beautiful knock-off wire wheels wear new whitewall tyres.
SUMMARY
The E-Type is one of the most sought-after and coveted cars on the market, with constantly growing prices and enjoys a very rich availability of spare parts and accessories that simplify maintenance.
The longer wheelbase, wider tracks and V12 engine give the third series E-Types a driving experience different from that of previous versions, but equally satisfying.
With more advanced mechanics and highly useful features such as power steering and electronic ignition, they are more comfortable and much more versatile, allowing to tackle even long journeys in maximum comfort.
This particular example, with a bodywork in very good original condition and a richly finished and high-quality interior, presents a number of unique features that make it particularly attractive to an expert collector or a competent lover of Jaguar cars.
With scrupulously tuned mechanics, complete documentation and a rich supply of spare parts, accessories and original components, this E-Type represents a truly rare opportunity to get behind the wheel of a special and distinctive car, which will always be admired and at the center of attention and will give great satisfaction to its next owner.
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.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
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