1974 Jaguar-XKE Series III V12 OTS

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Description

This beautifully restored 1974 Jaguar XKE Series III Roadster presents in a striking Jaguar Dark Blue over a Biscuit leather interior, a timeless and truly striking combination. The XKE was professionally restored to a high standard, and has been carefully maintained under its current ownership and has a great history of participation in concours events, earning high scores throughout the years.

Fitted with desirable Euro-style over-riders and period-correct Vredestein Sprint Classic tires, this example stays true to its heritage while maintaining a refined, performance-oriented aesthetic. Under the bonnet, its rebuilt carburetors ensure strong and reliable performance, while the more desirable dual-tip exhaust provides the signature Jaguar V12 sound. Other features include:

• Factory air conditioning for comfortable cruising
• A rust-free body, reflecting its careful upkeep
• Upgraded with Series 1 2-eared knockoffs
• Comprehensive service records, verifying its maintenance history
• A book of restoration photos, documenting the car’s restoration
• Retrosound Stereo System
• The original 1974 Jaguar sales brochure

The Series 3 XKEs are fast becoming very collectible and desirable...and with only 24,538 miles believed to be original, this XKE Roadster represents an outstanding opportunity for the new or seasoned Jaguar collector seeking a well-documented, concours-proven example with timeless appeal!

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.