Vehicle Description
When Jaguar's brilliant E-Type, alternatively known as the XKE in
North America, made its dramatic debut at Geneva in March 1961, few
onlookers foresaw that it would evolve and keep pace with rapidly
changing buyer demands and tightening governmental regulations
through 1974. By 1972, the beloved E-Type had matured into a
full-fledged Grand Touring machine with the debut of the
V-12-powered Series III, offered through the 1974 model year. Most
visibly, the Series III cars featured a larger bonnet bulge for
enhanced engine clearance, flared wheel openings, a slightly wider
track, a revised grille for improved cooling, and updated bumpers.
The convertible now rode on the longer 105-inch wheelbase of the
2+2 Coupe, and passenger comfort greatly improved with longer doors
and sills, plus longer and deeper floors. The interior was entirely
new in the Series III V-12, including the seats and door panels.
The center console was now vacuum-formed with a simulated leather
finish, and a smaller leather-rimmed steering wheel was fitted,
completing the sleek Jaguar's GT character. Jaguar's 5.3-litre V-12
engine delivered smooth, turbine-like power despite the requisite
North America-compliant emission controls and lowered compression.
A thoroughly developed and refined chassis, fully-independent
suspension, power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes, and power steering
delivered superior handling and response to driver inputs.
According toRoad & Trackmagazine's comprehensive 1974 comparison
test, "Five Exotic Opens," the 1974 Jaguar E-Type carried a
241-horsepower rating with induction via four Zenith-Stromberg
carburetors. Transmission choices included the optional Borg-Warner
3-speed automatic transmission or standard 4-speed manual gearbox.
Evaluated alongside a Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche's 911, Ferrari's
Dino 246 GTS, and a Mercedes-Benz 450SL, a V-12/4-speed Jaguar
E-Type roadster was the best overall performer of the foursome with
the quickest slalom-course time, the shortest stopping distance
from 60mph to rest, and a dead heat with the Dino from rest to
60mph and the quarter-mile, all the way up to a credible 138mph top
speed versus the Dino's 141mph top end. In competition, the Series
III E-Type went out with a bang in the United States. Joe
Huffaker's Huffaker Racing campaigned an E-Type racer on the west
coast, and Bob Tullius' Group 44 carried the Jaguar banner on the
east coast during 1974 and 1975. After the last E-Types were
produced and sold, Tullius and Group 44 captured the SCCA
Manufacturer's Championship with its iconic green and white E-Type
roadster in 1975 - a truly fitting end to the long production life
of one of the world's most famous and highly respected Sports/GT
cars ever. Accompanied by its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust
certificate confirming original details, this 1974 Jaguar XKE
Roadster, or Open Two Seater in Jaguar parlance, wears an exquisite
rotisserie restoration performed during the latter 2000s by Series
III V-12 Jaguar specialist Stew Jones of Winsted, Connecticut. To
knowledgeable collectors and enthusiasts, the quality of work by
Mr. Jones and his team is legendary, including achievement of the
first-ever perfect 100-point score in National-level JCNA (Jaguar
Clubs North America) concours competition (Class 7). Finished to
better-than-new standards in its factory-correct shade of British
Racing Green complemented by a black convertible top and tan
interior, this fabulous E-Type previously enjoyed single-family
ownership and care from 1976 through 2021. Just under 30k actual
miles are accumulated at the time of writing. Maintaining its
factory-correct colors and materials, the Jaguar's interior is
particularly excellent in presentation. Correct features and
options include air conditioning, a Kienzle dash clock, British
Leyland-branded AM/FM pushbutton radio, proper Smiths gauges, and
sporting 3-spoke steering wheel complete with iconic Jaguar
"Growler" hub. Underneath the tilting bonnet, the numbers-matching
5.3-liter SOHC V-12 engine and entire engine bay are in
outstanding, concours-quality condition with all factory components
and ancillary items in place. Jones and his team completely rebuilt
the V12 and detailed each part to factory specs as it was
reassembled. They added an upgraded Tremec 5-speed manual
transmission to unlock even greater performance and economy than
the stock 4-speed unit. Accompanying items include a mounted spare
wire wheel/tire, black top boot cover, jack kit, owner's manual,
Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate, and over $200,000 of
service and restoration invoices dating to 1981. The final
iteration of the beloved E-Type remains one of the finest Sports/GT
cars ever produced, boasting superlative refinement and performance
with beautiful, timeless styling. Today, Series III E-Types are
highly prized, and they rightly captivate legions of collectors and
Jaguar enthusiasts as the last and most highly developed examples
of their legendary breed. Beautifully presented throughout with its
Stew Jones restoration and 45-year single prior ownership, this
example is undoubtedly one of the finest available today. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7120-1974-jaguar-e-type-roadster/
