Vehicle Description
In the early 1970's, Jaguar gave its perennial E-Type a major
makeover. While it might be hard to imagine the lusciously styled
Jag ever needing a refresh, there was a lot of pressure on Jaguar
to keep the car in compliance with ever-stricter safety and
emissions standards, and still keep it performing on par with the
competition. For 1972, the heavily redesigned Series III E-Type was
unveiled. It was longer, lower, wider and featured new styling
that, while still clearly an E-type, was flatter and more modern
than before. The biggest change lay under the long, forward hinged
bonnet. The iconic 4.2-liter twin-cam inline-six "XK" engine was
out, and in its place was a new, all-alloy, single overhead-cam V12
displacing 5.4 liters. The twelve breathed through a quartet of
Stromberg carburetors, and put its copious torque to the ground
through a choice of automatic or four-speed manual transmission.
The chassis was essentially the same layout, though made wider,
longer and stronger to accommodate the new drivetrain. Four-wheel
disc brakes provided excellent stopping power. The new E-type V12
was a softer car than its predecessor with a more generously sized
cabin that was comfortable and relaxed. The power steering system
is highly boosted, but still provides surprising levels of feedback
to the driver, and the silken V12 delivers strong performance in a
very subdued and quiet manner. Still very much a true Jaguar
E-Type, the Series III manages to give the driver an altogether
different experience from the earlier cars, while still maintaining
the feel and experience of a proper Jaguar sports car. This Pale
Primrose Yellow 1974 E-Type roadster is an incredible, one-owner,
low mileage car that has been extensively restored to a very high
standard. Sold new in Pennsylvania, its first and only owner was
Ray Mundt. The Jaguar served as a company car for Mr. Mundt, and he
originally registered it to Royston Distributors, a subsidiary of
the once mighty ALCO Standard Corporation, of which Mr. Mundt would
eventually serve as the President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board.
A somewhat unlikely company car, Mr. Mundt cherished his Jaguar,
keeping it for over 40 years and accruing a mere 18,000 miles in
that time. It was very well-equipped from new, fitted with the very
rare optional factory hard top, air conditioning, stereo, 4-speed
manual gearbox, and luggage rack. Pale Primrose Yellow is
considered by many to be among the most attractive shades for the
Series III E-Type, with the black hard and soft tops providing a
pleasing contrast on this car. The paint quality and body fit are
truly exquisite, with restored exterior brightwork. The
undercarriage and engine bay have all been fully restored with
hardly a nut or screw left unturned. Proper paints and finishes
were used throughout to give this car a showroom fresh appearance,
particularly under the bonnet where the big V12 is simply gleaming.
Likewise, the suspension has been beautifully restored and detailed
and a full stainless steel exhaust has been fitted to provide
lifetime service and a rich mellow soundtrack from the V12 engine.
The car sits with an aggressive stance on period correct whitewall
radials and lovely chrome knock-off wire wheels. Thanks to the
exceptionally low mileage, the black leather cabin could be
restored only as needed, with much of the original trim being
carefully preserved. Seats and carpets appear new, while the vinyl
dash panel, console and instruments appear to be original. A new
black soft top and matching canvas boot were fitted, and the
original hard top was repainted, though it retains its factory
headlining and trim, all in outstanding condition. Even the trunk
has been properly restored with correct tan Hardura upholstery. The
sale includes the original owner's manual, stamped service booklet,
radio manuals, and warranty cards. The twelve-cylinder Series III
was once the neglected sibling in the E-Type family, but a new
resurgence in interest has seen value and collectability on the
rise for these excellent GT cars. Rarely do V12 E-Types appear in
such beautifully restored condition. This is an outstanding
opportunity to acquire a low-mileage, one-owner E-Type, ready for
enjoyment on the road.