Vehicle Description
The XKE series Jaguar was an instant success from the moment it
appeared at the automotive seen in 1961! As each new generation was
improved from the last, it continued to offer more and more to the
buyers after the prestigious luxury sports car from England! This
included improved brakes, better suspension, superior interior
comfort, more significant cooling, and bigger displacement engines!
By 1971, the short wheel base offering was long gone in favor of a
quality ride, and power steering was now a standard feature. The
Series III was born with a V12 with quad Zenith-Stromberg
carburetion under the bonnet, and only 7,990 convertible were
produced over the entire four year production!
We are delighted to offer this 1974 Jaguar XKE Series III
convertible finished in correct Regency Red over beautiful Cinnamon
Leather interior with matching Wilton wool carpets and Black
Everflex soft top! Options include numbers matching 5.3L V12 engine
producing a powerful 272 horsepower, 4-speed synchromesh manual
transmission, air conditioning, chrome 15" 72-spoke wire spoke
wheels with Pirelli P4000 radial tires, AM/FM/Cassette radio, fan
tip chrome exhaust, Nardi wood steering wheel, telescoping steering
column, remote outside mirror, luggage rack, and more! Standard
options included a responsive 4-wheel independent suspension with
matching disc brakes at all four corners, power steering, front &
rear bumper guards, and Smiths dash instrumentation with electric
dash!
This wonderful example is showing only 19,592 miles which are
believed to be original from new, as the St. Louis Car Museum was
provided past sale evidence to help support a true mileage claim.
Ownership history had this Jaguar right here in St. Louis, MO
during the 1989 Jaguars on the Riverfront Competition when it was
honored 2nd Place in the Concours Class- Series 3 E-Type
Convertibles with only 13,700 miles on the odometer. It was already
professionally repainted once in its original color by this time.
It would later sell through a Kruse International Auction with
14,898 miles, and finally to the enormous collection of Jim Taylor
and moved to upstate New York in 2010 with just over 19k miles
showing on the odometer. It was exercised infrequently by Mr.
Taylor, but he did opt for the large bumper overriders to be
removed in favor of the earlier 1971 design to better suit the
car's original factory presentation. This came at great expense
with Donovan Motorcar Service in Lenox, MO performing the
transformation in December 2010 when the car showed 19,398 miles.
They would also install a performance aluminum radiator to replace
the original.
Upon arrival to our Museum, we performed a full inspection and
replaced the following items: spark plugs & wires, all drive belts
(a/c compressor, alternator, power steering, water pump), all new
coolant & radiator hoses/clamps, braided stainless steel brake line
kit, rebuilt all Zenith carburetors, oil pressure sender, fuel
filter, front sway bar bushings, upper ball joints, lower control
arm bushings, air intake trumpet bellows, new air filters, new
engine oil & filter, thermostat/gasket, new coolant, radiator cap,
among a few smaller items in the process. The air conditioning
system was converted to modern R134a and it continues to perform
very well! Additionally, the front seat leathers, headrests, sun
visors, and underlying foams were all replaced simply due to
deterioration with upholstery provided by Engel Imports.
Overall, the car has been unbelievably well kept and it starts,
runs, and drives with great bravado with a pure Jaguar sound from
the exhaust! The brakes and throttle are equally responsive for
spirited drives, or relaxing cruises. The manual 4-speed really
wakes up the V12 engine performance! Also included will be the
original tire changing equipment and Jaguar Heritage Trust
Certificate. Please feel free to call with questions or to schedule
an opportunity to see this vehicle in person.
