Vehicle Description
Ever-tightening U.S. emission regulations were threatening the very
existence of the E-type at the dawn of the '70s. The 4.2-liter XK
straight-six was at the end of its development so a bore or stroke
increase was out of the question. The 5.3-liter aluminum V-12 that
was under development at Jaguar seemed to be the answer. It weighed
less than the venerable XK six and produced slightly more
horsepower than the six had in three carb Series I form.
For the V-12 Series III, Jaguar dropped the two-seater coupe and
offered only the 2+2 coupe and the convertible, the latter sharing
the 2+2's long wheelbase. Flared wheel arches and an even bigger,
busier grille than the Series II rounded out the cosmetic changes.
Performance was roughly restored to Series I levels but the car was
far less sporting in nature. Still, it could have been remembered
better had it not been produced at one of the worst times for the
British auto industry. Series III quality control was less than
ideal and the cars acquired a reputation for unreliability. All of
the things that afflicted the cars when new can be addressed today
(and in fact, most have been over the years) but old perceptions
die hard. A Series III E-type does, however, get you into top down
V-12 motoring for a fraction of the cost of a comparable
Ferrari.
This one is in pretty good shape inside and out with a freshly
tuned up engine that starts easily and stays running without
effort. Just fire it up and go wherever you would like. Hagerty
values these cars between $28,000 - $42,000 for Fair - Good
condition and this one is closer to Good than it is Fair. Financing
is available through Lightstream and trades are welcome.
