1974 Jaguar E Type S3 Roadster

We all love a restoration project – and doubly so if someone’s already spent a decent sum on getting it started.

And ‘PKB 919M’ is one such car; a 1974 Series 3 Jaguar E Type with the decadent V12 under the bonnet, it has been in the seller’s hands since September 2023, passing to him from his father, who was a well-respected Jensen specialist in London.

The plan was for his father to restore the E Type as a gift for his son but, despite owning it for many years, like the cobbler’s children, he never finished it.

He did fit a new bonnet though, and while he painted this red as a temporary measure, one of his last suggestions was to get the car repainted in its original brown.

As we mentioned, your restoration is off to a flying start courtesy of a new bonnet. This, along the rest of the panels, aligns well too, so you shouldn’t have to spend too much time in getting them ready for paint, although please note that we fitted the headlamp bowls only temporarily for the photoshoot.

And it will need fresh paint because the coachwork is well patinated with a fair quantity of scratches, cracks, bubbles, and marks. Some of the panels are also finished in a slightly different colour to the rest.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear bar a marker for having had a change of colour from the factory brown to the red it wears today. Of course, one of the advantages of buying a restoration project it that you are free to choose its next colour – and, because it’s already had one change, you’re free of any obligation originality may have placed upon you.

That said, we think the seller’s dad had the right idea; if you’re going to drive a classic car then you might as well go all-in, period colours ‘n’ all.

The chromework is said to be the original, which adds charm and provenance but does mean that you’re going to have to get it rechromed as it is pitted and tarnished throughout, and even has a few spots of rust on the rear bumper.

The black fabric roof is in a very good condition. With only one small tear to the nearside rear, it fits well, has good stitching, and even the plastic rear window is still nice and clear, even if it does have a crease running across its width. It also comes with a matching black cover for use when it is folded down.

The side windows are also in a good condition, and while the windscreen has delaminated it also plays host to a sticker for the Jaguar Drivers’ Club, which is never a bad thing. #swingsandroundabouts

The rear lamp lenses are bright and free of chips and cracks, and the loose front lamps look to be in an equally good state of repair.

As for the wire wheels, while they’re serviceable they are rusty and tarnished, so we can see the new owner will want to either get them refurbished or, more likely, simply buy a new set.

The tyres are matching Pirelli P5's, including the spare in the boot. However, they are old and perished but someone did spend the right amount of money on the right rubber, which must surely be another good sign.

The dashboard and transmission tunnel are in a very good condition with no rips or tears to their face material. There’s no sun damage or the like to the upper dashboard, either.

The instruments and switches look good too, with clear and bright lettering and no obvious wear or serious degradation other than slight rust on some of the bezels.

The leather seats have softened over the years, but then haven’t we all? Unlike us though, restoring their youthful vitality would simply mean writing a modest cheque for new foam and, if you want to completely rejuvenate them, new leather covers.

The carpets are worn and grubby, so it might be easier to buy a new set – and you could add a pair of sun visors to your basket while you’re there.

Fitting this little lot, including the seat foam and covers, should be straightforward thanks to the plethora of YouTube videos on the subject; after all, what one person can make, another can restore.

The door cards, sill covers, and central armrest/cubbybox could probably be refreshed rather than replaced, as could the steering wheel. The gearknob is in a decent condition too, as is the handbrake.

We haven’t been able to test anything because the E Type isn’t currently fitted with a battery.

The engine bay is dusty and dirty but it’s being offered in its original condition, which is always preferable to seeing a freshly washed engine that begs the question: Why?

As we mentioned in the introduction, it hasn’t been started for eight years, and we aren’t about to risk trying to get it running without fresh fluids as a minimum.  It does hand-turn though.

The underside looks straight and strong, the exhaust system appears to be in good shape, and what corrosion we spotted is probably limited to surface rust.

But you don’t need to take our word for it; we’ll provide the coffee if you come and see it.

Not too much is known about the E Type’s history other than his dad bought it from a good friend of his. The HPI report suggests this was back in 1988 and the seller certainly remembers it being in storage for at least 20 years.

Of course, the Jaguar doesn’t have a current MoT certificate, but it does come with a quantity of spares; please see the photographs to check what is included.

A UK-spec, right-hand drive Series 3 V12 E Type is a highly desirable piece of real estate – and when you factor in the possibilities this light restoration offers the winning bidder, our guide price of between £20,000 and £25,000 feels like outstanding value.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.