In the early 1970’s, Jaguar gave its perennial E-Type a major makeover. While it might be hard to imagine the lusciously styled Jag ever needing a refresh, there was a lot of pressure on Jaguar to keep the car in compliance with ever stricter safety and emissions standards, and still keep it performing on par with the competition. For 1972, the heavily redesigned Series III E-Type was unveiled. It was longer, lower, wider and featured new styling that, while still clearly an E-type, was flatter and more modern than before. The biggest change lay under the long, forward hinged bonnet. The iconic 4.2 liter twin-cam inline-six “XK” engine was out, and in its place was a new, all-alloy, single overhead-cam V12 displacing 5.4 liters. The twelve breathed through a quartet of Stromberg carburetors, and put its copious torque to the ground through a choice of automatic or four-speed manual transmission. The chassis was essentially the same layout, though made wider, longer and stronger to accommodate the new drivetrain. Four wheel disc brakes provided excellent stopping power. The new E-type V12 was a softer car than its predecessor with a more generously sized cabin that was comfortable and relaxed. The power steering system is highly boosted, but still provides surprising levels of feedback to the driver, and the silken V12 delivers strong performance in a very subdued and quiet manner. Still very much a true Jaguar E-Type, the Series III manages to give the driver an altogether different experience from the earlier cars, while still maintaining the feel and experience of a proper Jaguar sports car.

This lovely Primrose Yellow 1974 E-Type roadster is an exceptionally low mileage car that has been extensively restored to a very high standard. The odometer reads a scant 18,474 miles, which is believed to be true mileage. This car comes equipped with the very rare factory hard top option which transforms the look of the car. The attractive primrose paint is in beautiful condition, and is considered by many to be one of the best shades for the Series III E-Type. Exterior, undercarriage and engine bay have all been fully restored with hardly a nut or screw left unturned. Proper paints and finished were used throughout to give this car a showroom fresh appearance, especially under the bonnet where the big V12 is simply gleaming. Like the engine bay, the undercarriage has been beautifully restored to the same standard. Thanks to the exceptionally low mileage, the black leather cabin was restored as needed, with much of the cockpit remaining in very good original condition. Seats and carpets appear new, while the vinyl dash panel, console and instruments appear to be original. A new black soft top was fitted, along with a black top boot, and the original hard top was repainted, though it retains its original headlining and trim, all in very good shape. Any Series III E-Type roadster looks good with the hard top in place, and this car is particularly stunning with the black top against the Primrose body. With lowered suspension, it’s all very purposeful with a nice balance of aggression and elegance.

A full stainless steel exhaust has been fitted to provide lifetime service and a rich mellow sound track. Along with the aforementioned hard top, this example is equipped with the desirable 4-speed manual transmission, factory air conditioning, and a trunk mounted luggage rack. Period appropriate Vredestien blackwall radials ride on chrome knock-off wire wheels. Even the trunk has been properly restored with correct tan Hardura upholstery.

The twelve-cylinder Series III was once the neglected model in the E-Type family, but a new resurgence in interest has seen value and collectability on the rise for these excellent GT cars. Few opportunities come along to acquire a late E-Type in such fine condition as this, especially one as well optioned and with such remarkably low miles.