1974 - Jaguar Type-E V12 roadster - Lot 5

Lot 5
Go to lot
Estimation :
60000 - 70000 EUR
1974 - Jaguar Type-E V12 roadster - Lot 5
1974 - Jaguar Type-E V12 roadster French registration Chassis n°UE1S25922 Engine n°7S17069LA - The ultimate and most accomplished series of an automotive myth in cabriolet bodywork. - Getrag mechanical gearbox, spoked wheels, stainless steel lines and Nardi steering wheel - Early restoration in the USA and complete history file - Car imported to France in 2013, with flattering presentation and regular maintenance There's no need to point out just how important the Jaguar E-Type has been in the history of the automobile, just how much it has left its mark on popular culture, and above all, just how exceptional a car it is. It's particularly well-born, having inherited decades of racing success in terms of mechanics, aerodynamics and styling. Let's not forget its predecessors, the XK120, XK140 and XK150, which definitively established the Coventry-based brand as a must-have manufacturer. At the time, however, the XK150 was not without its critics, such as the relative lack of risk-taking in its styling and design. But Sir William Lyons had cleverly prepared his response! The big boss surrounds himself with only the best. Malcolm Sawyer, the aerodynamicist responsible for the line of the multiple Le Mans champion Type D, was put in charge of styling. The chassis, designed by chief engineers Bob Knight and Norman Dewis, uses the 3.8-liter "XK" DOHC inline-six engine, another winner of the prestigious competition. There's no denying it: the new car borrows many elements from the famous D-Type. In fact, the manufacturer's intention was clear when it named it "Type E". When the car was unveiled in 1961, journalists couldn't believe their eyes, because everything had been done in total secrecy. Little did they know that they were looking at the first truly modern sports car. All the celebrities bought them, and the E-Type became the perfect symbol of the English sports car. Several versions appeared, including the two-seater coupé, the 2+2 and the roadster - the latter boasting particularly pure lines. In 1964, displacement was increased to 4.2 liters, and the car moved into its second series in 1968. The lines were modified to meet the new American safety standards - the automaker's first market. While the coupé's lines suffered somewhat, the roadster was unaffected, as its exceptional lines were enhanced by more chrome. The engine is much easier to tune, and much more reliable than the 3.8-liter competition engine. Braking is also much improved. Next up is the 3 Series, with slightly revised styling, enriched equipment and, above all, powered by Jaguar's famous V12: the first to emerge from British know-how. This engine boasts enormous torque, giving it inexhaustible power. In all, more than 72,500 E-Types rolled off the production line, making it one of the most successful cars in Jaguar history. Our Jaguar Type E Series 3 roadster is of American origin. It was delivered new to the USA in 1974 and remained there until the 2000s, when it was imported into England, where it had already been restored, before finally arriving in France in 2013, where it has known only two owners. In a beautiful British racing green metallic with beige leather interior with matching carpets, soft top, hood cover and tonneau cover, its configuration is as classic as it is seductive. Chrome-spoke wheels mounted on white-banded tires, a stainless-steel exhaust system and a wood and aluminum Nardi steering wheel complete this dazzling presentation. The restoration carried out in the United States some twenty years ago is of good quality, as the whole has aged rather well and is homogeneous. The work carried out on this occasion is described in the voluminous file accompanying the car, which confirms that this Type E V12 was fitted with a 5-speed Getrag manual gearbox. Along with improved braking and cooling, as well as revised damping, this transmission is one of the strengths of this Type E 3-series in terms of driving pleasure. According to the original purchase invoice on file, the car is still equipped with its original engine. Today, our Type E OTS has just over 89,000 miles on the odometer and is in fine overall condition. It has benefited from regular maintenance in recent years.
My orders
Sale information
Sales conditions
Return to catalogue