Highlights
- The first V12 to ever achieve a 100-point score at the North American National Concours
- Low mileage of just 20,872 miles from new
- Matching numbers example with comprehensive restoration documentation
- Nut and bolt rebuild by renowned restorer Stew Jones
- Includes original book pack and Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate
The Appeal
The Jaguar E-Type V12 represents the final evolution of what Enzo Ferrari famously called "the most beautiful car ever made." The pipe-smoking bods in Coventry knew not to mess around with their masterpieces, and the Series 3 of the E-Type was exactly in line with what came before and after it - albeit with a lengthened wheelbase, a new cross-slatted grille and a new, 5.3-litre V12 under the bonnet. Still achingly pretty, still magnificently capable, and still a curvy, long-nosed spot of pure, masterful Sayer styling.
The E-type continues to be one of the most essential classics out there. Chances are you've seen plenty of good examples, chances are you've seen very good examples - but have you seen one like this? It might well be one of the finest E-Types to ever come up for sale on Car & Classic, having been the first car to be awarded 100 points at the North American National Concours in 1995 and little used since.
Repatriated to the UK in 2020, this matching numbers roadster still rivals its factory-fresh condition, having been restored in the USA by the legendary Stew Jones over the course of 9 months. The result is simply remarkable. Beautiful white paintwork, a handsome red cabin and that sweet-running V12 ready and waiting to go.
The E-type continues to be one of the most essential classics out there. Chances are you've seen plenty of good examples, chances are you've seen very good examples - but have you seen one like this? It might well be one of the finest E-Types to ever come up for sale on Car & Classic, having been the first car to be awarded 100 points at the North American National Concours in 1995 and little used since.
Repatriated to the UK in 2020, this matching numbers roadster still rivals its factory-fresh condition, having been restored in the USA by the legendary Stew Jones over the course of 9 months. The result is simply remarkable. Beautiful white paintwork, a handsome red cabin and that sweet-running V12 ready and waiting to go.
The Vendor says:
"It is virtually impossible to fault this car in the way it looks and the way it drives. On the road, it is a delight. The car feels tight and ‘new’. The steering is power-assisted and on point. The legendary V12 has torque to waft the Jaguar along the highways and byways with such elegance and no small thrust of pace. The car is so good, it is as though you are collecting the car from the showroom in 1974."
"It is virtually impossible to fault this car in the way it looks and the way it drives. On the road, it is a delight. The car feels tight and ‘new’. The steering is power-assisted and on point. The legendary V12 has torque to waft the Jaguar along the highways and byways with such elegance and no small thrust of pace. The car is so good, it is as though you are collecting the car from the showroom in 1974."
History and Paperwork
- Manufactured and exported in early 1974
- 9-month nut and bolt rebuild documented
- Comprehensive restoration documentation including photos and narrative from Connecticut-based restorer Stew Jones
- Awarded 100 points at the North American National Concours in 1995
- Repatriated to the UK in 2020
- In current ownership since March 2021
- Part of a small, discerning collection
- Original book pack included
- Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate included in leather 'folio' folder
The Condition
- Handsome bodywork with a clean, uninterrupted silhouette
- White paintwork, true to original factory specification
- Everything is still remarkably presented post-restoration
- Chromework and wire wheels are all beautifully kept
- Soft top appears in very good condition
- Underside is very clean and well-presented
If you haven't heard of Stew Jones, now would be a perfect time to look him up. A man as fascinating as that of the E-Type's development, this legendary specialist is one of the most reputed men in the profession, and certainly the most dedicated. His restoration of E-Types in particular has become something of legend, and this car is one of his most significant keystones. The first car to ever achieve a 100-point score at the North American National Concours. That's no small feat.
Some thirty years post-restoration, this E-Type still stands as a simply remarkable car. The white paintwork is still glossy and smooth, while the bodywork is free of any dents or dings. The chromework still contrasts beautifully, and the soft top looks lovely and supple with no area of concern safe for the slightest creasing.
Underneath, just about everything is spotless. The suspension and subframe are as solid as they'd have been leaving the production line, if not more so, and there's no signs of corrosion or unusual wear.
Some thirty years post-restoration, this E-Type still stands as a simply remarkable car. The white paintwork is still glossy and smooth, while the bodywork is free of any dents or dings. The chromework still contrasts beautifully, and the soft top looks lovely and supple with no area of concern safe for the slightest creasing.
Underneath, just about everything is spotless. The suspension and subframe are as solid as they'd have been leaving the production line, if not more so, and there's no signs of corrosion or unusual wear.
- Interior trim and upholstery in very good condition
- Dashboard and instrumentation present smartly
- All glass, lenses and light fittings appear in original condition
- Original details and finishes preserved throughout
The E-type's cabin remains as symbolic as its bodywork, and it's clear that the restoration here has been just as focused as the rest of the car. Full, tear-free bolsters await the lucky driver, while a clean and well-presented dashboard is ready and waiting to tick into life.
The carpets are clean, the boot beautifully carpeted - and everything is true to its as-built spec. Even the ashtrays and British Leyland radio are clean and polished up. It's undeniable, too, that this is amongst the finest colour combinations that the E-Type carried. That bright red cabin contrasts beautifully against the paint, capturing the eye and keeping it there. Is it any wonder that people continue to gaze at the car to this day?
The carpets are clean, the boot beautifully carpeted - and everything is true to its as-built spec. Even the ashtrays and British Leyland radio are clean and polished up. It's undeniable, too, that this is amongst the finest colour combinations that the E-Type carried. That bright red cabin contrasts beautifully against the paint, capturing the eye and keeping it there. Is it any wonder that people continue to gaze at the car to this day?
The Mechanics
- 5.3-litre V12 engine
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Engine bay presents in show-quality condition
- Matching numbers engine
- Power-assisted steering
- All systems are reportedly working as they should
- The vendor states the car drives like new with excellent torque and performance
Popping open the bonnet, we're greeted by Jaguar's much-loved V12. This was a new addition practically purpose-built for the flagship roadster, and what a machine it was. From 1971 to 1997, this was the pick of the crop for the marque, and sees heritage in a design first penned by Claude Bailey for a Le Mans sports car all the way back in 1951.
It's a smooth-running, ever-enduring machine that keeps the E-Type buttery-smooth and almost paradoxically fast - a real thoroughbred the likes you won't see on the market again with ever-tightening restrictions and emissions controls. It's clear that this one has been preened, pampered and polished.
It's ready and waiting to go - and comes together to make this car one of, if not the finest E-Type we've seen on Car & Classic.
It's a smooth-running, ever-enduring machine that keeps the E-Type buttery-smooth and almost paradoxically fast - a real thoroughbred the likes you won't see on the market again with ever-tightening restrictions and emissions controls. It's clear that this one has been preened, pampered and polished.
It's ready and waiting to go - and comes together to make this car one of, if not the finest E-Type we've seen on Car & Classic.
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