Vehicle Description
For the 1972 model year, Jaguar shocked the motoring world with a
comprehensively redesigned E-Type. Since its debut in 1961, the
E-Type had earned iconic status for its sumptuous curves and
storming performance from the 265 horsepower inline-six - all at a
price that undercut its competitors by at least half. But safety
and emissions regulations had slowly been chipping away at the
E-Type, leaving it slightly less beautiful and slightly less
powerful than before. So with a drastic move, Jaguar gave the
E-Type a new identity. It was determined that the iron block/alloy
head XK inline six would not readily meet tough new US emissions
regulations, so an all new, all alloy 5.3 liter V12 was developed.
The new engine was mated to long-legged four-speed manual gearbox
(or optional automatic) and fitted to a dramatically redesigned
body that was meant to conform to Federal safety laws from the
onset, so it would not have to suffer from half-baked measures such
as add-on bumpers and such. While still very much an E-Type, the
Series III was longer and wider to accommodate a larger cockpit, as
well as that massive V12. The fenders had pronounced flares which
gave the car a less curvaceous, flatter look, but still remained
very attractive. The egg-crate grille, slim chrome bumpers and
dramatic quad-tip exhaust are some of its best details. Perhaps the
biggest change was noticed from behind the wheel. Distinct, highly
boosted power steering and a flat, steady torque curve from the V12
meant it was a much more relaxed experience than the previous
six-cylinder cars. That isn't to say it was slow; 272 horsepower
was delivered with sublime smoothness to create a relaxed GT car
that was capable of devouring miles with ease. The Series III
E-Type may have been an all-new car, but it still very much had the
soul of a Jaguar E-Type. The 1974 E-Type OTS (open two seat, Jaguar
parlance for roadster) featured here is finished in attractive
Primrose yellow over a biscuit tan interior. It is finished off
with a black top, black top boot and a set of desirable chrome wire
wheels. Originally equipped with the four-speed manual
transmission, this is this most desirable spec for a Series III. It
has been treated to a high-quality, professional restoration and
presents with gorgeous paint quality and excellent panel fit. The
exterior chrome trim is also excellent and very well fitted with
mostly new rubbers and gaskets. Lifting the bonnet reveals a clean
and very well-detailed V12 engine with correct finishes on the
fittings, chassis rails and properly finished suspension
components. New radial tires wrap the fresh chrome knock-off wire
wheels. The whole car is fresh, honest and very correct. With the
E-Type Series III being a proper driver's car, the quality of the
cabin matters - and this example does not disappoint. The seats
have been reupholstered in fresh tan leather with correct
perforated inserts, while the door panels, console and carpet have
been preserved in excellent original condition. The big Smiths
instruments look great and function as they should and it is fitted
with the very desirable factory A/C. The boot is upholstered in
correct Hardura material, and is fitted with the original jack and
tool kit. Fresh and ready for the road, this is a very fine Series
III E-type of superlative quality.