1973 Jaguar E Type V12 Cabriolet

First registered in May 1973, this Jaguar E Type Series 3 Open Two Seater has the 5.3-litre V12 and a manual gearbox. The relevant numbers match those stamped into the chassis plate.

The subject of an extensive restoration in 2020 by Classic Restorations Scotland of Alyth near Blairgowrie, the car is road-ready - although it has been housed within the vendor’s private collection for the past few years.

Finished in its original factory specification Primrose Yellow, the paintwork on this roadster is just immaculate - fresh from its restoration just a few years ago and properly stored as part of a collection since.

Unusually it comes with both a factory hardtop - covered in black Everflex vinyl with a glass rear screen and in a great condition - and a black fabric folding roof. The soft top is original too but in good condition; slightly wrinkled where it has been folded and a little puckered above the doors. But there are no creases in the plastic rear screen and the fit is understood to be weather tight.

The chrome brightwork, trim and badges are in excellent order - shiny and without patina or pitting. The front number plate is not currently attached but will come with the car. The new owner may opt for a self-adhesive sticker on the bonnet as is common for E Types.

The car sits on its original 15-inch wire wheels, which are also immaculate having been refurbished during the restoration. All four wheels are shod with Dunlop SP Sport tyres, which appear barely used.

The inside of a roadster is as important as the exterior as it is frequently on show, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The original interior was kept during the restoration but has been brought back to a good condition whilst retaining a degree of the patina of use - most evident on the steering wheel rim.

The black leather upholstery is in good order - creased as you would expect on the seat bases especially - and the seats were given new padding to restore the shaping and comfort.

The black dashboard adds to the seventies period feel with a full complement of Smiths dials, auxiliary gauges and a row of 10 analogue rocker switches sitting centrally in the dash above a period radio.

The carpets and floor coverings are in good order but again show some use. There is an insulating foam layer underneath and below that, the floor pans are sound. With the hardtop fitted, the cabin feels more like a coupé with a soft headlining in good, clean condition.

The rear boot isn’t what you’d call capacious - there’s enough room for a couple of decent sized overnight bags but additional luggage could be stowed in the cabin behind the seats. Under the boot floor covering is what looks like a new fuel tank and a full-size spare wire wheel. Again, the floor underneath is sound and corrosion free.

Up front under the front-hinged clamshell bonnet, the V12 engine looks magnificent - incredibly clean, with everything repainted or renewed during the restoration and minimal use since. However, the engine has been properly maintained whilst not in use and starts and runs without issue.

The undersides of the car are also in excellent condition, with minimal road dirt over the body-coloured protective paint coating and nothing in the way of corrosion to be concerned by. The steering and suspension components were either reconditioned or replaced during the restoration and still look clean and freshly painted with stainless nuts and bolts holding them together.

The Jaguar’s one and only MoT recorded online (i.e. post 2005/6) expired in July 2021, although it passed without advisories. Of course, as an historic vehicle, the Jaguar is exempt from annual testing - but it does give an independent assessment of roadworthiness should it ever be needed.

The Jaguar E Type remains at the pinnacle of the more affordable classic British sports cars and they are always in great demand. The V12 may not please the die-hard E Type purists but is a popular choice with those who prefer the enhanced performance to complement the more muscular looks.

This example is ready to drive and in an undeniably stunning condition having barely been used since a full restoration a few years ago. We think it will sell for between £80,000 and £100,000 but could easily go higher, reflecting the unparalleled condition of this V12 E Type roadster.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at Bonhams|Cars Online 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