Beautifully presented late model E-Type with classic colour scheme
Manual gearbox car with factory standard 5.3litre V12 on four carburettors
Immaculate British Racing Green paintwork over contrasting biscuit trim
Excellent panel gaps, shut lines and chrome work
The Appeal
Few cars can have been graced with superlatives quite like the E-Type yet looking at this beautiful 1974 car it is very easy to see why. Finished in British Racing Green over biscuit leather it shows how clever the Series 3 refresh was, introducing a wider, more purposeful stance based on the spacious and practical 2+2.
Clearly maintained to a very high standard by its owner, this car is a convincing argument for why everyone should drive or own an E-Type at some point in their life. It is one of the nicest we’ve seen and perfect for showing or hitting the open road.
The History and Paperwork
First registered on 1st January 1974 according to DVLA records
First UK registered on 1st November 2018
Chassis records indicate:
U denotes USA market car
E denotes 1974 model year
Five digit chassis number beginning with 2 denotes LHD OTS car
Final LHD OTS car was chassis number 26,120
This car is therefore the 1,117th from last LHD OTS car
Records show that the car has previously been registered overseas
Professionally converted to RHD to a high standard, including altering the interior switchgear correctly
Current owner since 24th October 2019
At the time of writing we did not have access to the service or maintenance records for this car
MOT expired on 8th October 2019 and the car has covered less than 250 miles since the last test
MOT and tax exempt
The Interior
Very attractive biscuit leather interior with just a light patination of character
Biscuit leather seats with lighter cream piping in good condition with only light signs of use
Carpets in good condition, showing only light marks
Door cards in excellent condition with complete and unmarked furniture and trim
Blaupunkt radio/cassette
Original gear knob and leather-rimmed steering wheel showing light signs of use
Some wear on the centre armrest that may respond to a valeting regime
Dashboard in very good condition
Switchgear has been carefully converted to RHD specification including moving the choke and heater switches
Smiths dials in good condition, just some light wear notable on the speedometer and rev counter rims
Controls and switchgear in very good condition with clear white markings
The interior of an E-Type is unmistakable, its simply arranged dials and switches seemingly bereft of intentional design yet evocative nonetheless. There was little change between the first 1961 cars and this 1974 model except the addition of more comfortable seats and higher quality trim.
Series 3 cars are based on the E-Type 2+2 platform so benefit from bigger doors - making them easier to get in and out of - and offering more space inside. This is most obvious in the improved elbow room and the storage area behind the seats.
The interior of this car is in very good condition, offering the buyer an optimal blend of characterful patination and very presentable condition. The biscuit trim nicely complements the green paintwork and is in very good condition. The signs of use are minor and limited to some marks on the seats and carpets. The dashboard is excellent with clear white emblems on the switchgear and classic, clean Smiths dials.
The conversion to RHD has been done well, including moving the dashboard around correctly right down to relocating the heater and choke switches, something that is often overlooked with some E-Type conversions.
The interior is highly standard, including the factory leather-rimmed three spoke wheel and round gear knob, both showing only light wear. There is later Blaupunkt radio cassette system that looks right at home in this classic layout.
The Exterior
Immaculately presented in British Racing Green
Superb chromework and detailing
Consistent panel gaps and very good shut lines
Car sits evenly across its axles indicating good suspension components
Delightful Series 3 details like the fluted four-vane chrome exhaust embellisher
Contrasting biscuit canvas roof in very good condition with clear window panel
Roof appears to fit well with good lines when in position
Quality Avon tyres with excellent chrome wire wheels
Black tonneau cover
Reworking the original E-Type to create the Series 3 was a clever makeover that seems to get more effective as the years roll on. Longer and wider than the standard car it emphasised the smooth GT credentials of this V12-equipped sports car.
This car looks particularly good with its British Racing Green paintwork. The bodywork is immaculate with high quality paint and excellent chrome detailing. The panel gaps are consistent and very good and the shut lines, particularly on the doors, equally good indicating good hinges and careful use. It is also factory standard, right down to the lovely four-vane fluted exhaust tail pipe.
The biscuit roof with its black tonneau cover is in similarly good condition and appears to fit well when erected with a clear window panel.
The signs of use are extremely minor and only visible with close scrutiny. The chrome trim on the top of the offside A pillar is cracked and there is some pitting elsewhere on the chrome screen surround. There is a small stone chip on the bonnet and touched in paint on the corner of the sill on the passenger side.
The car sits on chunky Avon tyres with beautiful chrome wire wheels.
The car’s MOT ran out in October 2019 but it has covered barely 250 miles since the test and is, in any event, now tax and MOT exempt. The underside appears to be in excellent condition with a good level of underseal protection and only light surface corrosion visible on some components.
The Mechanics
5.3litre V12 Jaguar engine developing around 285bhp
Two pairs of carburettors
4spd manual gearbox with fully synchromesh box
Upgraded Lumenition ignition system fitted to improve reliability and starting
Has covered less than 250 miles since the last MOT test in 2018
Jaguar’s super-smooth 5.3litre engine was one of the few mass-production V12s and arguably one of the best British motors of the last 50 years. Very quiet and highly refined it gave the revised Series 3 E-Type turbine-like acceleration yet was significantly lighter than the previous XK unit.
One of the bugbears of the Series 3 is the factory-fitted Opus ignition system, which is prone to overheating and proving unreliable. This car has been fitted with the common upgrade, a Lumenition system that is considerably more reliable. It appears to be the only change from standard as the clean engine bay shows the car is still running on its four carburettors.
Unfortunately we did not have sight of this car’s service and maintenance history at the time of writing so cannot verify the displayed mileage. However it has been little used since the owner acquired it in 2019 and appears to be part of a large collection of classics that are dry stored and garaged.
Summary
Jaguar’s Series 3 E-Type added comfort, practicality and effortless V12 heft to an already highly appealing package. Careful detailing like the touches of chrome and stylish exhaust trim set these cars apart.
This beautifully presented 1974 car is in a particularly attractive colour combination and has clearly been cared for by its current owner. Immaculate yet very usable it is tempting opportunity to discover or re-discover these fantastic cars.
Notice to bidders
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