1974 Jaguar E-Type Roadster SIII

The Vendor of this 1974 Jaguar E Type Series III V12 Roadster has been the proud owner since 1983.

The car was originally exported to the USA in 1974, where it lived in California until 1979. It was then imported back to Germany and registered on 18th July 1979. The engine in the E Type has been converted from the US specification to the EU requirements, which has seen a welcomed 20% bhp increase.

In 1984, the Jaguar was repainted in the original colour, and since then it has remained untouched until the bonnet was repainted in 2020. The E Type has never had a full restoration as it’s always been in use. If it has needed parts the vendor has always replaced them with genuine items.

The white paint, as mentioned, was applied in 1984, and the bonnet redone in 2020. As you would expect there are a few blemishes showing here and there, but in the main the car is in very good condition and very well presented.

From the front you will notice the USA spec over riders, which have been painted white to blend them in with the body. If not to your taste, these could be removed. The lights and indicators are in good order with no splits or cracks to be seen, and the chrome on the bumpers and headlight surrounds is free from any tarnishing.

Looking down the flanks of the E Type, and the shut lines look to align as they should with a nice equal gap. The chrome door mirrors and window frames are again free from any pitting. There are some small areas showing some surface rust on the inside of the bonnet on the top edge, the fuel cap cover and the inner edges of the wheel arch, but nothing too excessive, and certainly less than you would imagine considering the age and repaint 37 years ago.

Looking at the classic and recognisable rear end, it is all in nice condition. The boot lid aligns well and, like the rest of the car, the bumper is nice and bright. Sitting just below the number plate is the well known classic quad tailpipe, as fitted to Series III’s.

The roof was replaced in 2010 and is in good condition with no damage, other than some age related creases. There is also the tonneau cover present to finish off the look of the E Type when the roof is dropped. The wire wheels are in very good condition and fitted with matching Pirelli P4000 tyres, which have a good amount of tread remaining for the new keeper.

Jaguar made the E Type for cruising, and for a long journey it had to have a comfortable interior, which they succeeded in. The interior is in dark blue leather and is all original. There are some signs of age related patina as you would expect, but generally the car has a very light amount of wear for the age.

The dashboard is in good condition with no splits or cracks to the top. The switchgear is reported to be working as it should and the lettering below the switches is legible with no excessive wear. The headlights have a warning buzzer that sounds if they are left on once the ignition is turned off. The vendor has said that the instruments are working as they should, and the odometer is reading 59,494 kilometers at the time of the photographs. The steering wheel is a period looking wood rim Moto-Lita. A touch of modern day life has crept in for the in-car entertainment, in the way of an Alpine media station which has a retractable colour monitor, GPS, Bluetooth and hands free connection to your phone.

Inside the boot is a beige carpet, which does have some wear to the back edge. There is a jack and wheel brace present, along with a Jaguar tool kit.

The underside of the vehicle is quite clean, with no obvious areas for concern. The V12 was replaced in 2002. It has also had the removal of the US spec catalytic converter and the fuel injection has been replaced in favour of carburettors. Doing this has released an extra 20% more power from the wonderful V12.

In 2015, the vendor had a stainless steel exhaust system fitted, allowing the V12 to sing freely. In the same year the Jaguar was treated to a replacement rear axle and the gearbox was given an overhaul, with a new clutch fitted. The carburetors were also removed to be cleaned and rebuilt, and a new fuel pump was fitted.

The car starts up and runs as it should. The seller reports the V12 pulls well through the gears and the change is smooth thanks to the rebuilt gearbox. The brakes system has been completely renewed in 2019, ensuring the E Type stops as well as it should.

As you can imagine with the same owner since 1983, there is plenty of paperwork to come with the car for work carried out and parts purchased.

It has been well maintained throughout its life, and has had whatever it needed to ensure the correct running of this classic Roadster.

It may not be a fully restored example, but it has been a regularly used classic, which has covered between 2000-5000 km per year.

A nice, solid 1974 Jaguar E Type V12 Roadster Series III, which came from California in 1979. The mileage is low with just under 60,000 kilometers. It is a well cared for example, and mechanically it has wanted for nothing.

There are a few blemishes on the body, but with that said, it is sure to have been worse if the car had been left standing for more of its years. Regular use, in the right conditions, has certainly played a part in preserving the E Type.

Ready to go, the Roadster is looking for it's new owner who can continue to get pleasure from driving this LHD British classic.

We estimate this 1974 Jaguar E Type Roadster Series III to bring between €60,000 - €70,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Hamburg, Germany; to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.