1973 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES III V12 ROADSTER

5,343cc SOHC V12 Cylinder Engine
4 Stromberg Carburetors
275bhp at 5,850rpm
4-speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Single family ownership for 44 years
*Just over 40,000 miles shown on the odometer
*Well-preserved example retaining original interior and factory hard top
*Desirable end-of-the-run V12 E-Type with manual gearbox

Previewing at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.

THE SERIES III JAGUAR E-TYPE

From the Jaguar E-Type's sensational launch with its 3.8-liter 6-cylinder 'XK' series engine in 1961 to its final expression as the 5.3-liter V12-engined Series III model twenty years later, Coventry's finest was not only an aspirational supercar of its era, but also a generally attainable one – always offering would-be owners tremendous value for the money. It was in 1971 that Jaguar introduced the Series III with the Walter Hassan/Harry Mundy-developed 5.3-liter SOHC V12 engine which became an industry standard for its combination of smoothly unobtrusive torque and power. The new V12 was standardized upon the 105-inch longer-wheelbase floor pan of the 2+2 variant, and only Roadster and 2+2 models were produced, Jaguar's preceding short-wheelbase Fixed-Head Coupe body style being discontinued.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Completed during winter of 1973/74, the well-preserved example of Jaguar's legendary V12 E-Type offered here left the Browns Lane Jaguar Works configured as a left-hand drive Roadster, destined for the US market. The car is believed to have been sold new from San Francisco dealer BMC Motors and retains the period blue and yellow California license plate and dealer frame to this day. The car was purchased from an estate in recent years, whom it is believed to have been retained by for 44 years, while driven just over 40,000 miles. Today it has a very original feel, retaining its original Biscuit-colored interior, and appears to have had just one repaint in Regency Red, which does show some crazing in areas. Desirably optioned with the 4-speed manual transmission and A/C, this lovely California E-Type retains its original chassis tags and decals, and original paint is evident in many compartments. The car is equipped with its factory hard top, and recent service work performed totals about $10,000. The Series III E-Types were the last and most refined of the breed, and the powerful V12 offered a smoothness that was seldom found in other vehicles of the day. Fitted with power steering, comfortable seats and excellent brakes, V12 E-Types became true Grand Touring vehicles.