Highlights

Comprehensive professional restoration completed in 2017
Detailed renovation across bodywork, interior and mechanicals
Only 7,000kms covered since completion
Always stored in a dry and heated garage since restoration
Only three registered keepers from new
Carefully converted to European aesthetics
Valid Luxembourg MOU technical inspection
Only 60,000ms reported from new
Restoration cost in excess of 55,000 EUR

The Appeal

For many GT enthusiasts, Jaguar saved the best until last. The final Series 3 E-Type became the smooth, effortless and luxurious grand tourer that Jaguar always intended. And much of that was down to the silken V12 5.3litre engine beneath its sculptural bonnet.

Here is a beautiful Silver metallic example, a 1974 model with detail features like the fluted exhaust tailpipes and remote door mirrors that indicate it was one of the very last built. It is in quite remarkable condition, thanks to an extensive restoration in Athens, Greece by a well regarded classic Jaguar specialist in 2017. This work included converting it to European aesthetics. It has covered just 7,000kms since on classic car tours and is dry stored in a heated garage when not in use.

The current enthusiast keeper is only the car’s third in its 50 years. From its gorgeous colour scheme to its fantastic condition, this is a very high quality example of one of motoring’s most desirable cars. A clean Luxembourg MOU technical inspection certificate adds extra reassurance. With its power steering and automatic gearbox, it is a relaxing GT prospect.

History and Paperwork

Registered in 1974
Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate verifies the current colour scheme is original
This also confirms the car was first sold into New York City in 1974
First keeper retained the car for 10 years
Second keeper acquired it in 1984 and moved it to Michigan
Subsequently moved with this keeper to Beverly Hills
Stored for the last 10 years of the second keeper’s ownership
He sold the car in 2014 to the current keeper via a high end classic car dealership
Current and 3rd owner purchased the car in 2015
He repatriated it to Europe and restored it via specialists by 2017
Stored in a dry and heated garage since restoration in 2017
Complete set of maintenance records and invoices available
These are mainly from Jaguar’s Classic Department and SNG Barratt
Current owner will support the buyer with all necessary information on the maintenance of the mechanical parts
Supplied with restoration history and pictures
Reportedly driven less than 7,000 km since restoration
Vendor advises that it has only been used for dry weekends for pleasure and classic car tours
Luxembourgh MOU technical inspection valid to 23rd August 2024 and reported to be clean

2017 restoration summary:

Fully retrimmed interior in red leather
Seats rebuilt including foam
New interior sound insulation
Complete exterior and body-work renovation
New hood and restored frame
New EU front bumpers
Brand new H4 front lights
European specification rear lights,
Complete body conversion to original European specification
Chrome renovated
Complete front and rear brake rebuild
New brake master cylinders
Brake circuit overhauled
New front and rear suspension
Complete set of new rolling parts
Renovated electrics including battery and alternator
Renovated or renewed plastics
Complete new rubber seals across engine and openings
All mechanical pumps renewed
New higher capacity aluminium radiator
Renovated and upgraded cooling circuit and system
Complete new Inox exhaust
Four new Michelin tyres
New Bluetooth hands free vintage style radio
Discreet JBL amplifier and 4 speakers
New alarm system
Various other cosmetic details as seen in photographs

The Condition

High end professional bare metal bodywork restoration and respray in 2017
Refinished in factory correct Silver over red colour scheme
Complete interior restoration performed during the 2017 restoration
New hood and restored frame in black mohair, all very well kept
Updated to European specification and aesthetics
Exterior chromework renovated
Chrome wire wheels with set of quality Michelin tyres
Vintage style modern Bluetooth-enabled radio

With its Silver metallic over red leather colour scheme, this must be one of the prettiest Series 3 convertibles that we have seen in recent times. The impression is enhanced by the evident quality of that 2017 restoration. It was clearly comprehensive and shines out of the paint finish and panel fit, particularly across the often troublesome doors. Here you will see smooth lines and virtually perfect fit. The vendor tells us that the restoration was planned to balance originality with refreshing parts where needed.

The remote operation door mirrors and fluted exhaust tail pipe are strong hints that this was one of the last Series 3 cars to leave the factory. The distinctive exhaust was only returned for the final few cars.

The retrimmed red leather interior is a delight, showing barely any wear despite 7,000 kms of use and the intervening 7 years since completion. That is testament to its single keeper during that time, an enthusiast who oversaw the work.

Converted to smooth European specification, this is a beautiful example of a car widely regarded as amongst the most desirable in the world of classic motoring.

The Mechanics

5,344cc Jaguar V12 developing around 285bhp
Quartet of SU carburettors which were rebuilt during restoration
3spd automatic gearbox
Matching numbers engine and gearbox according to seller
Original low mileage engine retuned and all main seals replaced
Rolling road test shows linear output
This test also shows very good compression
Extensive overhaul of running gear as outlined above

Alongside the extensive bodywork and cosmetic refresh undertaken during 2017, this car has received a comprehensive overhaul of the mechanics and running gear. You can review a summary above.

The vendor reports that the low mileage original engine and gearbox were in very good condition so only needed a light refresh. However the ancillaries, including carburettors and water and fuel pumps were refurbished or replaced. Many other areas were also touched including the electrics, brakes, exhaust system and cooling system.

A rolling road test confirms the condition, showing linear power delivering and excellent compression. The vendor has used the car sparingly for classic car tours, storing it in a dry heated garage between outings. That means it reaches the buyer in very good condition with no known running or driving issues.

The seller says: “This car is simply an art piece made to be admired and driven. It is an eye-catcher that will turn heads everywhere and every time you drive it. People simply never ignore this car. It generates smiles and admiration and of course a lot of ownership pride for the happy driver.”

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:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]