Vehicle Description
Midway through the 1960s, Jaguar engineers kept busy trying to stay
ahead of rapidly evolving safety and emissions regulations.
Increasingly strict standards, particularly in the critical
American market, saw the power and purity of the original E-Type
gradually compromised. Jaguar knew the E-Type could not continue in
its original form forever, and a comprehensive overhaul was
necessary to see the car into the next decade. Coincidentally,
Jaguar acquired the local engine building firm Coventry Climax, and
in the deal came former Jag man Walter "Wally" Hassan, who
convinced his good mate and fellow engineer Harry Mundy to join
him. Mundy designed and developed such legendary engines as the BRM
V16 and Coventry Climax FW. Wally Hassan began his long and storied
career as an apprentice at Bentley, later working for E.R.A., then
on to Jaguar where he helped develop the iconic XK inline-six. At
Coventry Climax, he and Mundy co-developed the incredibly
versatile, world championship-winning FW (featherweight) engines.
With Mundy and Hassan on board, Jaguar was in good hands. The first
significant product of Mundy and Hassan's collaboration was a 5.3
liter, all-aluminum, single overhead cam V12. The original
intention was to use this engine in the new XJ flagship saloon that
was set to replace the aging MkII/S-Type. Before it powered the
XJ12, however, Jaguar adopted the new engine for use in a heavily
revised E-Type. Wholly reworked from bumper-to-bumper, the E-Type
was now available as only a 2+2 coupe or 2-seat roadster, with both
versions sharing the same lengthened, widened tub. The underlying
architecture remained the same, with independent suspension all
around, four-wheel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, and
torsion bars up front. Flared fenders accommodate the wider track,
which led to an overall flatter, lower appearance. Distinctly
different, yet still instantly recognizable as the E-Type, the
Series III was a drastic change from the original 3.8 Series 1,
although the updates gave the car a new lease on life. With the
sublime V12 engine up front, the E-Type was transformed from a
hairy-chested sports car into a user-friendly, comfortable
high-speed tourer, capable of crushing continental journeys in
comfort and style. Remarkable in every respect, this beautiful 1974
E-Type V12 is one of the best examples we have encountered,
fastidiously restored and treated to a host of carefully selected
improvements by a Jaguar specialist at the cost of over $200,000.
This car was sold new in 1974 by British International Motors of
Hicksville, New York to Mr. C.D. Papadopoulos. After twelve years
with the car, he sold it to Peter Livanos. A prominent Greek
shipping magnate, Mr. Livanos is best known for his role as
part-owner of Aston Martin in the 1980s. In the late 1990s, records
show the car was in Texas, where it remained until 2008 when it
returned to the Northeast. A new owner from England acquired the
car in 2009, who immediately handed it over to the Jaguar
restoration specialists J.D. Classics (now Woodham-Mortimer) for a
complete restoration to J.D. Sport specification. Presented in its
original colors of white a matching factory hard top, blue cockpit
and blue hood, this is a positively sparkling example with a
marvelous restoration. Upon its arrival at J.D. Classics, it was
meticulously disassembled and prepared for paint, while the engine
and mechanical components were simultaneously prepped for a
complete overhaul. The body was stripped, repaired as needed,
undersealed, and painted inside and out to a very high standard in
the original color. Panel fit and alignment is excellent, with
crisp detailing. Cosmetic updates include attractive slim-line
European bumpers, eliminating the rather ungainly US-spec
overriders. Chrome and exterior fittings are excellent, and the
headlights uprated to flat-lens H4s for vastly improved visibility.
The finishing touch is a set of deep dish high-strength stainless
wire wheels with chunky 205/70-15 Pirelli tires for the ideal
stance and road presence. Like the body, the interior is restored
to factory standards, but with several select modifications to
improve the driving experience. The seats are trimmed using factory
correct perforated leather, with matching factory-style vinyl
materials on the sills, panels and door cards. Blue leather covers
the dash, which features factory instruments and new OE rocker
switches. Machined stainless steel knobs replace the fragile
factory pieces for the heater controls, choke lever, and indicator
stalk. The under-dash A/C unit is trimmed in leather and equipped
with stainless dials that have a distinctly tactile, Hi-Fi quality
to their action. An earlier E-Type steering wheel sits in place of
the original, as does a bespoke alloy gear knob. Rounding out the
cabin is a vintage-look Becker Mexico stereo that seamlessly
incorporates AM/FM radio, navigation, and digital input functions.
The equally impressive mechanical specification backs the stunning
cosmetics. The matching numbers V12 is fully rebuilt down to the
cylinder liners and equipped with new pistons, valves, ported heads
and much more. Additional features include a J.D. Sport ignition
system, bespoke sports exhaust, and an S.U. Carburetor conversion.
The engine pairs with specially-developed J.D. Sport components
including the 5-speed gearbox, clutch, gearshift mechanism, and
propshaft. The chassis includes updated front brake calipers,
specially-developed sports adjustable dampers, and numerous other
refinements that dramatically improve the performance. Every
component is beautifully made and seamlessly integrated to give the
car a fully-engineered feel. The engine bay is impeccable, with
factory style fittings blending with the bespoke elements.
Documenting the meticulous restoration are hundreds of photographs
and a large stack of receipts. It has seen light and careful use
since then, and it remains in exquisite condition and fine running
order. This Jaguar is a marvelous interpretation of the ultimate
twelve-cylinder E-Type, thoughtfully updated to enhance
performance, handling, and reliability without sacrificing the
sublime and refined character that defined the original.