Description
1974 – Jaguar Type-E V12 roadster
American registration title with customs clearance certificate (846-A) and FFVE certificate provided / Ready to be registered directly as a collection vehicle in France
- The ultimate, most developed series of an automotive myth in a Cabriolet body
- Options: Borg-Warner automatic gear box, air conditioning, power-assisted steering
- Repainted in grey with black hard top, interior in electric blue leather and spoke wheels
- Car acquired from the Beverly Hills Car Club (USA) and imported to France in 2021
- Recent mechanical maintenance (head gasket) and presentation that could be perfected
- 25, 430 miles on the odometer and good working order with the MOT up to date March 2026
Needless to remind how much the Jaguar Type E counted in the history of the automobile, how it left its mark on popular culture, and above all how exceptional a car it is. It must be said that it is particularly well born, as it inherits decades of success in competition, both in terms of mechanics, aerodynamics, and styling. Let us not forget its predecessors which were the XK120, XK140 and XK150 and which definitively made Coventry a must‑have manufacturer. Yet at the time, the XK150 drew some criticisms, such as the relative lack of risk in its styling and design. Be that as it may: Sir William Lyons cleverly prepared his answer!
The boss surrounds himself with only the best. Malcolm Sawyer, aerodynamicist responsible for the D-Type, which dominated Le Mans, is in charge of the styling. The chassis designed by Bob Knight and Norman Dewis, chief engineers, uses the inline six-cylinder engine with double overhead cam “XK” of 3. 8 litres displacement, also winner of the prestigious competition. There is nothing to say: the new car borrows heavily from the famous Type D. Furthermore, the manufacturer’s intent is clear in naming it “Type E”.
At its 1961 unveiling, journalists could hardly believe their eyes, as everything was done in the utmost secrecy. They do not yet know that they are witnessing the first truly modern sports car. All celebrities bought it and the Type E becomes the perfect symbol of the British sports car.
Several versions appeared, including the two-seat coupé, the 2+2 and the roadster – the latter benefiting from a particularly pure profile. In 1964, displacement rose to 4. 2 litres and the car evolved into its second series in 1968. The styling was altered to meet the new American safety standards – the first market for the manufacturer. If the coupé suffered somewhat, the roadster remains as exceptional as ever, now enhanced with more chrome. The engine is less finicky to tune and far more reliable than the 3. 8-litre, very much of a “racing” character. Braking is also markedly improved. Then came Series 3 in 1971, with a slightly revised aesthetic, enriched equipment and above all powered by the famous Jaguar V12: the first from British know‑how. It benefits from enormous torque, giving it inexhaustible power.
In total, over 72, 500 Type E units were produced; one of Jaguar’s greatest successes in its history.
More information on request
