1974 Jaguar-XKE Series III V12 OTS

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Description

10-10-25 Update: Please note this E-Type will be exclusively available for purchase at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, Arizona Fall Sale on Saturday, October 18, 2025 - Lot: 954.1

We encourage you to become a registered bidder - view more information at Barrett-Jackson's website here

Classic Showcase purchased this highly original XKE at a Barrett Jackson Scottsdale Auction last January to have our experienced Jaguar team preserve, service, and take this roadster to the next level. When we purchased the XKE we were informed that it had the same owner since 1975 with its original matching numbers engine and was purchased from a long-term owner who stored it for many years in a climate-controlled storage facility which gave us a unique opportunity to make this XKE a great example. Because the Jaguar was mostly original and cared for, our team had a vision to preserve but perform whatever it needed to bring it to the next level both mechanically as well as aesthetically. After a comprehensive evaluation and inspection, we performed the following:

Cosmetics:

• Pressure cleaned the engine and undercarriage
• Restored the top bows
• Fitted and installed a new British Grain Vinyl Top
• Fabricated, fitted, and installed new interior door panels, door tops with squeezes and rubber and armrests
• Improved the seats and other panels
• Shampoo and cleaned the carpet
• Detailed under the bonnet
• Detailed the boot
• Performed some paint blending, wet sanding, and buffing to the vehicle
• Cleaned and polished all britework
• Installed new Jaguar floor mats

Mechanicals:

• Rear end out for service and detail
• Brake service installed new rotors, hoses, brake pads
• Changed all fluids, changed filters, brake fluid, and bled brakes
• New balls joints and bushings
• New stainless steel exhaust system installed with install kit and hangers
• Restored the radiator assembly and fans
• Serviced the electrical system
• Recent AC service
• Tune up service
• 4 new Vredestein 205-70-15 tires mounted and balanced

Videos

History

Last of the E-types the series III V-12, a big, relaxed, high-torque engine was the way to go and Jaguar had a solution under development. It was an all-aluminum, single overhead-cam V-12, destined for the XJ sedan but also capable of giving the aging sports car the marketing boost it needed. With the 5.3-liter V-12 up front, the Series III E-type was announced in March 1971. Physical changes to the car were surprisingly few. Most important was the use of the long wheelbase on the roadster as well as the 2+2, allowing automatic transmission to be offered on the open car for the first time. There was no back seat in the roadster. The pretty two-seater coupe was dropped. The track was increased by 4.25 inches and the fender openings had pronounced flares to accommodate the increase and the wider wheels and tires fitted. Again, the Turbo disc wheels were standard but painted. Chrome-plated wheels were extra. Wire wheels were still available. An aggressive chrome grille, first ever on an E-type, filled the air intake and new air scoop for additional cooling sat just below the grille. Fitting the V-12 made it necessary to redesign the front sub-frame and suspension but torsion bars were retained. The V-12 Series III holds its value extremely well. This is the second to last year that Jaguar produced the E-type.