Highlights
- Solid American import
- Low mileage
- Original condition
- Well maintained
THE APPEAL
The Jaguar E-type is undoubtedly an iconic design, said by Enzo Ferrari to be the most beautifully designed cars ever made. This particular car is an imported version, meaning it has spent many years in a dry state with no salt on the roads. This equals less corrosion which is clear to see as the seller reports the car to be still wearing its original coat of paint.
The Jaguar has had little but regular use throughout its life and has been well maintained, even having had an engine rebuild after the head gasket failed. At the same time, it made sense also to do the gearbox. Other things taken care of are the replacement suspension dampers, new fuel tank, and the carburettors rebuilt, all of which have seen that the E-type is running just as it should.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- V5 is present
- Built 27th October 1972, first registered 1st January 1973 and registered in the UK 10th January 2006
- Previous UK and Spanish test certificates present
- Extensive amount of invoices for work carried out
This particular E-type was imported from a southern state in America in 2006, when it arrived with its bodywork in the original condition, as it still is today. The seller purchased the low mileage E-type in 2012 and took it over to his home in Spain, where it lived, and was maintained by a local specialist, for several years before moving back to the UK.
THE INTERIOR
- Original interior apart from recovered front seats
- Well presented
- Left-hand drive
- Air conditioning
Inside, the E-type is like stepping straight back to the 70s. Biscuit leather is the finished colour choice for the seats. The fronts have been retrimmed and do have a little patina showing to the edges of the bolsters. The rear seat also has some age related patina possibly caused by the hot climate over the years. The door cards are in good condition, with minimal wear and scuffing to be seen.
The dashboard presents well and looks to be in good condition and in keeping with the age of the vehicle. The steering wheel is the original, which is in good condition, as are the instruments. These are reported to be working as they should, and the odometer is showing a reading of 50,529 miles. The switchgear shows little wear, and everything is reportedly in order, including the air conditioning.
The carpets are in good condition with some slight age related wear as to be expected. Above, the headlining sits nice and tight with no sagging. Inside the boot is the original trimmed floor that is in good condition. Lifting the floor reveals the spare wheel and jack.
THE EXTERIOR
- Original paintwork
- Solid underside
- Well presented
- Original chrome work
The colour choice for the Jaguar is Sable, and as mentioned earlier, it is believed to be in its original coat. As you would expect, the paintwork does have some signs of patina, but looking at it, you would not say it’s from 1973.
The front of the E-Type shows no excessive stone chips to mention. The chrome work has some light patina to the surface. The headlights have had an upgrade offering more light output than the factory lights would have given. These are in good condition with no cracks in the lenses. During its time in Spain, the indicators have been replaced to comply with the Spanish ITV regulations. The bonnet looks to align as you would expect and opens and closes with ease. There is a small ding just behind the grille surround on the leading edge, and as mentioned, there is some patina to the paintwork.
Around to the sides, the vehicle looks stunning, and the curvy lines flow front to rear and uninterrupted across the doors as these line up as they should. The windows are in good order with no signs of any excessive scratches, and the same can be said for the chrome window surrounds and trim. The windscreen has been replaced and so is in good condition.
To the rear and the curvy back end looks every bit as it should. The bumper, just like the front, has some very slight surface patina, and the light lenses are in good condition with no splits.
Finishing off the exterior are the chrome wire wheels which are in very good condition. The seller thinks these could have possibly been replaced at some point, but there is nothing noted in the paperwork. The tyres are all in excellent condition with a good number of miles left.
THE MECHANICS
- 5.3 Litre V12
- Automatic gearbox
- Spax adjustable suspension
- Rebuilt engine and gearbox
- New fuel tank
At the heart of this Jaguar E-type is the fantastic 5.3 Litre V12. This had a complete rebuild in 2013, along with the gearbox. The carburettors have also been stripped and rebuilt, followed by being balanced correctly, ensuring the Jaguar is running just as it should. There are also many other parts that have been fitted as required over the seller’s ten-year ownership.
Thanks to the upgraded electronic ignition system, the car starts up with the turn of the key, and there are no untoward noises coming from the silky smooth V12. In addition, the seller reports that the car pulls well through the 3-speed automatic gearbox with no noises that shouldn’t be there coming from the transmission or running gear. Keeping the V12 cool is a new radiator and fan.
Keeping you firm on the road is Spax adjustable suspension that offers damping adjustment to suit your driving style. In addition, the brakes have been given an overhaul with new pads and hoses fitted. These are reportedly working as they should, with no juddering coming through the pedal, and the car comes to a stop in a straight line.
The underside of the car is in excellent condition. As mentioned, coming from the USA usually means less corrosion, and this has been further protected by having the underside waxoyled.
SUMMARY
This is the perfect chance to become the proud owner of a low mileage unrestored 1973 Jaguar E-type 5.3 litre V12 Series 3. Finding a car of this age in this condition is becoming quite difficult. The seller has owned this lovely E-type for the past ten years, and whilst it’s only covered 50,529 miles, he has given the car regular use and regular maintenance to go with it.
The key words here are little and often, which have clearly kept the E-type in a useable and reliable state, ready to be enjoyed when the mood takes you.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
