Vehicle Description
In the middle of the 1960s, Jaguar engineers were busy trying to
keep pace with continually 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
would be needed to see the car into the next decade. Meanwhile,
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 helped design legendary engines as the BRM V16 and
Coventry Climax FW. Hassan's storied career began at Bentley, later
working for E.R.A., then on to Jaguar, where he helped develop the
legendary XK inline-six. He worked with Harry Mundy at Climax on
the incredibly versatile, world championship-winning FW 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 initial intent
for this engine was the new XJ flagship saloon that was set to
replace the aging S-Type and 420G models. Before it powered the
XJ12, however, Jaguar adopted the new engine for use in a heavily
revised E-Type. Completely reworked for the 1970s, the new car was
now available only in 2+2 or roadster configuration, with both
versions sharing the same lengthened, widened tub. The underlying
E-Type architecture remained the same, with independent suspension
all around, four-wheel disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, and
torsion bars in front, on a lightweight steel semi-monocoque
chassis. Flared fenders accommodate the widened track, which led to
an overall flatter, lower appearance. Distinctly different, yet
still instantly recognizable as an 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 transformed from a lairy sports car into a
user-friendly, comfortable high-speed tourer capable of crushing
continental journeys in comfort and style. Offered here is the
finest, most meticulously restored twelve-cylinder XKE in the
world. This highly desirable OTS Roadster is one of the last 100
cars produced, originally equipped with 4-speed manual and factory
air conditioning. It is the recipient of a sensational,
nut-and-bolt restoration to better-than-new standards by the
renowned Jaguar and Series III expert Stew Jones Restorations of
Winsted, Connecticut. Poring over the details of this car, reveals
the obsessive level to which it was restored, including the
perfectly plated hardware, meticulously aligned bodywork,
painstakingly polished electrical connectors, and accurately
reproduced assembly marks. The presentation is all the more
astounding when you consider that Stew Jones, the man who guided
this epic restoration, is blind. Restored with little regard to
cost, the result of this magnificent obsession is the Gold Standard
Series III XKE, backed by a string of perfect 100-point scores in
JCNA National competition. Results include two Sir William Lyons
Trophies, perfect scores in the 2000 North American Championship,
2001 JCNA Challenge Championship, and a perfect score as recently
as October of 2023. Finished in Recency red with a black hood and
black leather interior, this XKE has a magnificent presence even
before one starts taking in the details. The quality of the
paintwork is beyond reproach, and the body is laser-straight with
even gaps and superb alignment. The paint and bodywork is courtesy
of Stew Jones Restorations' own Tom Jones, who is also Ralph
Lauren's preferred paint specialist. The plating and brightwork are
outstanding, and the car rides on brilliant chrome wire wheels with
period-appropriate Pirelli Cinturato P5 radials. Details include
correct Lucas headlamps, Triplex decals in the windscreen, and
proper US-spec impact bumpers. The incredible presentation carries
on in the cockpit, which features all factory-correct Connolly
leather, vinyl, and Wilton wool carpeting. The seats are superb
with fresh, taut leather that appears virtually unused. Every
detail is tended to, including the correct leather-wrapped steering
wheel, period correct Blaupunkt radio, factory under-dash A/C unit,
and restored inertial-reel seatbelts. The black vinyl top is
correct to the last detail. It is taut and absolutely crease free -
having never been folded. From behind the wheel, the meticulous
finishing is enough to make one feel as though they've stepped back
in time, and are driving a brand new XKE off the showroom floor -
it even smells new. As magnificent as the body and interior are,
the star of the show is undoubtedly the 5.3-liter V12. Truly
astonishing levels of detail are revealed upon lifting the
clamshell bonnet, where not a single fastener, wire, or hose looks
out of place or untouched. Yellow zinc-plated plumbing and hardware
are hand-polished to a mirror finish, as are the carburetor bodies,
rare OEM Cheney and Oetiker hose clamps, and even the case and
spade connectors of the firewall mounted relays. Paintwork on the
heater box and vacuum tank looks better than your average modern
luxury sedan. Likewise, the suspension components, brakes, and
stainless steel exhaust system are finished to a jewel-like
standard, and the paintwork on the underside of body is as superb
as it is on top. No detail is overlooked, including the correct
gray-green painted fuel tank, of which just five US-spec cars are
similarly equipped, correct plating on the brake hardware, and
reproduced assembly markings. Such fastidious restorations are
typically the reserve of the multi-million dollar, world-class
concours world, so to see such mastery applied to a V12 XKE is all
the more surprising. This car's appeal lies not only in the beauty
of its body and paintwork but in the discovery that every last
component is as good as the previous. This incredible automobile is
undoubtedly one of the finest Jaguar E-Types on the planet, and the
ultimate expression of the art and skill of restoration. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7719-1974-jaguar-xke-roadster/
