1974 JAGUAR E TYPE SERIES III V12 ROADSTER

1974 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES III V12 ROADSTER
Sold for US$ 74,250 Including Commission
Bonhams Auction, Amelia Island, Florida 2015
Chassis no. UE1S26055
Engine no. 7S17151 LB
5,343cc SOHC V12 Engine
4 Zenith Stromberg Carburetors
264bhp at 5,750rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Just over 18,000 miles from new
*Excellent patina inside and out
*Powerful twelve-cylinder E-Type Roadster
*Desirable 4-speed manual version
*The final evolution of the legendary Jaguar E-Type
THE JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES III
Few self-respecting automotive connoisseurs could ever ignore that iconic 20th Century classic, the E-Type Jaguar. From its 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 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-plus-2 variant, and only roadster and 2-plus-2 models were produced, Jaguar's preceding short-wheelbase Fixed-Head Coupe body style being discontinued.
With the large cross-slatted radiator grille – described by Motor Sport magazine as "a decorative birdcage" – flared wheel arches accommodating wider track and bigger tires, plus V12 nomenclature adorning the tail, these Series III cars continued all the American Federal Regulations features of the preceding Series II models while also adopting uprated brakes and power steering as standard. From the new Series' launch in 1971 to the end of production in 1975, some 15,200 were manufactured.
A V12 Roadster model, finished in red with black hardtop, was road tested by Motor magazine in November 1971, proving itself to be the quickest Jaguar model up to 100mph that the magazine had ever tested – taking 15.4 seconds from rest. The car's 0-60mph time was only 6.4secs while it could cover the standing-start quarter-mile in 14.2 seconds. Autocar magazine declared that the new V12 engine was just "superb, smooth power with virtually no mechanical noise at all (rare for a V12) and with little exhaust noise – from 70mph to 140mph wind noise is by far the loudest sound and even that is by no means excessive".
The Series III V12's "natural cruising speed" proved to be around 125mph, and influential American market publication Road & Track extolled the fact that "...the E-Type is an easy car to drive and is most at home when driven fast...a very predictable car with excellent balance between ride and handling. The ride is soft but very well controlled and even at high speeds there is no tendency towards front end lift or wander. Characteristics are forgiving to the inexperienced driver but useful to the more skillful during fast motoring."
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Completed at Jaguar's Browns Lane factory in June of 1974, this exceedingly original E-Type Roadster is one of the final examples of the legendary model. Believed to have been delivered to the US when new, the car is equipped with left hand drive, and the end-of-the-line twelve-cylinder power plant. Finished in the very fitting livery of silver metallic over red, this highly original Jaguar is believed to have covered just over 18,000 miles since new.
The Jaguar's first owner is believed to have owned the car until 1980, when its most recent previous caretaker purchased the car. The silver exterior has been refinished at some stage, presumably in the 1980s, and presents today with a lovingly aged patina. The interior has a very original feel, with neatly worn-in seats and most of the factory trim still in place. A period radio is installed in the dash, most likely the factory or dealer installed unit from when the car was new. A car with a very pleasing patina of age, low mileage and boasting great options, this Jaguar would be an enjoyable companion on any number of motoring adventure
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Robert Myrick Photography