1974 Jaguar E Type Series 3 Roadster

If you are going to have a Jaguar E-Type, you most likely want the world to gaze upon you as you travel in style. Therefore, you want a red one!

Our Roadster left the Browns Lane factory in 1973 resplendent in Azure Blue. At some time in its colourful life, one of its owners decided that red was the way forward and the car was duly professionally repainted. We cannot argue with that decision.

Paired now with a sumptuous black leather interior, a heady combination, this E-Type has the ability to turn heads like no other and is guaranteed to draw a crowd wherever it is parked.

The car was owned for many years by a technical officer for the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, a man clearly well versed in all things E-Type.

We believe that under his ownership a few modifications were made, the aim being to improve the car’s driveability.

The car now therefore boasts a five-speed gearbox, which makes for much more relaxed high-speed cruising and improves fuel economy too. Also fitted is an electronic ignition system which undoubtedly improves starting. There’s also the ability to tune the ride to suit with adjustable shock absorbers.

Unnoticeable to the untrained eye, we feel these are worthwhile upgrades which should improve the car’s road manners.

Our seller bought the car at a Classic Car auction and has properly used the car over the last four years, covering some 4,000 miles.

Dry stored when not in use and never taken out in the rain, the car has undoubtedly been cherished.

The owner is now ready for a change and wants to enjoy another classic car, but one that is a little more discreet.

And so, in the year when we celebrate 60 years of the E-Type, we are enormously proud to be able to offer this fine example for sale.

The red paintwork positively sparkles. Whoever carried out the respray clearly knew what they were doing.

If we are being picky, you can spot very minor bubbling around the chrome bonnet chrome trim, but there is precious little else to concern us.

The shut lines are excellent, the panels straight and true.

There is of course lashings of chrome and this all looks to be in good order. Invest in copious amounts of chrome cleaner to keep it all in good fettle.

No classic British sports car should ever be presented without wire wheels. Whilst accepting they are a pain in the neck to keep clean, they look marvellous. Those on our E-Type are in good order and are shod with Michelin XWX tyres.

The black hood appears to be in good order, with just some creasing showing signs of use.

We note from the paperwork that the expensive windscreen was replaced some years ago.

The black leather seats are as comfortable as they look. There is a little more gentle wear to the driver’s side, not unexpected.

The wooden Moto-Lita steering wheel is a delightful period touch and don’t forget the power steering fitted to this car. It all adds to the sensual experience that is E-Type driving.

The door cards are in fine fettle and the carpets neat and tidy, if a little grubby. Lifting them up for a crafty look reveals that all is sound.

The underside of the hood does bear some marks, but hey, this is a car to drive with the roof down. And when you do, there is a tonneau cover with the car to neaten things up.

The storage area behind the front seats is useful, though a little spruce up of this area may be appropriate.

The boot is not the most spacious but is in decent order and under the floor there sits a matching spare wheel. And let’s not forget the period tool kit which is present and correct.

Opening an E-Type’s bonnet is always a sense of occasion. With a V12 installed in the Series 3, there’s plenty to look at!

The compartment is clean and tidy with no signs of anything untoward.

Take a look at the many pictures of the car’s underside and readily apparent is the careful application of plenty of underseal. We can observe areas of surface rust on some of the components and we would want to deal with these as a matter of urgency. And we’d liberally splash some more underseal about just to be on the safe side…

There’s a magnificent stainless-steel exhaust fitted which looks fine and sounds even better.

As previously mentioned, we note the car has changed colour at some point in its life. You would not be able to tell, as all exposed areas of metal on display now gleam red.

The invoices with the car show periods of greater expense, many of these dating from around 2015. Have a look through the pictures for yourself.

The recent MOT history shows nothing of concern and confirms the car’s mileage.

The seller thought the car was worthy of a cherished registration number and splashed out on the rather fetching GIG 1234, which will stay with the car. Ideal for the budding musician perhaps, or if it is not your cup of tea, it should be readily saleable for a few quid.

We feel the condition of this car confirms careful ownership and the seller reports four years of fun, frolics, and a welcome absence of histrionics.

Jaguar E-Types are always in great demand and this car ticks all the right boxes. Great colour, powerful engine mated to a slick five-speed manual gearbox for ultimate control and let’s not forget those snazzy wire wheels.

We estimate that the car will sell for between £70,000 and £80,000, a big sum, but a small price to pay for this wonderful piece of British automotive heritage.

Viewing is always encouraged (within Govt. guidelines of course), and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; 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’.