1973 Jaguar E Type S3

In 1971, Jaguar introduced the Series 3, affectionately known as 'The Ultimate Big Cat'. The improved design featured a longer 2+2 wheelbase to accommodate its new 5.3L V12 engine. 

Beyond just a revamped chassis and a doubling of cylinders, this final iteration of the E-Type showcased a fresh cross-slatted grille, flared wheel arches, four-tip exhaust, larger brake discs, and an expanded fuel tank, alongside numerous interior updates. 

This 1973 example is a UK car which has been restored in the late 1980s. The vendor states it does have matching numbers and is reported to have a verified mileage.

Jaguar's famous coupé is a stunning car to look at, and you’d probably be hard-pressed to find anyone who would disagree with you. Finished in what is believed to be signal Red, the E Type presents well from a distance. Upon closer inspection, there are a few small scratches in a couple of places, and there is some microblistering around the car as well as some chips to the boot lid. 

Starting at the front of the E Type, the large open-mouth cross-slat grille is in good order, and the lower air intake is free from any dings or dents. The headlights and indicators are free from any damage, and the chrome surrounds have a bright finish. However, there is a small amount of tarnishing on the corner bumpers. The bonnet gap is quite tight against the bulkhead, and some paint has come off around the edges.

From the sides, you can appreciate the flared wheel arches the S3 gained; these give the E Type a more masculine look but still retain the elegance of the Jaguar. The door gaps look to be equal on both sides. The chrome window surrounds look to be in good condition with minimal signs of age, as do the windows which have no noticeable scratches to point out.

Those elegant lines swoop around to form the wonderful rear end; the rear door fits well with an equal gap on each side. The chrome work has a small amount of tarnishing but nothing excessive. The light lenses are free from any splits or cracks and giving away that the E Type has double the cylinders is the iconic four-tip exhaust.

The wheels are in very good condition, with a bright finish to the chrome and just a few minor tarnishing marks. Period-looking Avon tyres are fitted, which have a good amount of tread remaining.

Jaguar designed the E-Type for cruising and long journeys. Its comfortable interior was essential, and Jaguar succeeded in achieving this. Finished in red leather, being inside the Jag is a nice place to be. The seats are in superb condition with no signs of damage, and the matching door cards are also in good order with no scuffs or marks.

The dashboard is generally in good condition, but there is a tiny nick just above the speedometer, which a specialist could undoubtedly repair. The wood rim steering wheel is in good order with no signs of excessive wear. The Smiths instruments are all bright and clear, working as they should, and the odometer has a reading of just 68,542 miles. All of the switchgear is reported to be working as it should, and the lettering below the switches is clear and legible with no excessive wear. There is a Hitachi radio cassette in place but this hasn’t been tested.

Matching the red leather, the red carpets have been kept in good order with just a light amount of wear. The headlining is excellent and fits tightly against the roof with no sagging.

The boot area is trimmed in red leather to match the seats. There are a couple of minor marks, but nothing excessive.

Fitted with the fantastic 5.3-litre V12 engine, the E-Type has everything you need to make it the perfect tourer. The engine fires up as you would expect and sounds fantastic, with no issues reported. An aluminium radiator with twin electric fans has been installed to ensure the V12 stays nice and cool.

Fitted with a four-speed manual gearbox, this is in good order and no untoward noises are reported to come from the transmission.

The suspension and brakes are in good order, as confirmed by the recent MOT carried out on 22nd February 2024. Even though the car is eligible to be exempt from the test, it is a good sign that the vendor has the car checked.

Looking at the underside, the car has been undersealed at some point, and some areas have started to flake off in a couple of places, but this could easily be reapplied to future-proof it against corrosion

Registered on the 23rd March 1973, the E Type is a UK car, which has been cared for by just three previous keepers. There is an extensive history file with the car that dates back to the late 1970s and includes various invoices for parts purchased, and work carried out over the years. 

The most recent work was done on 16th January 2024 at a cost of £2,160 and included changing all the fluids, replacing the filters, balancing the carburettors, repairing the near-side front jacking point, greasing all of the suspension components, replacing the bonnet gas strut, and other jobs that needed to be done to ensure the E Type was performing correctly.

The Jaguar E Type continues to reign supreme as one of the most sought-after classic British sports cars that remain within an affordable range. This Series three boasts flared arches, an immersive manual gearbox, and that impressive 5.3-litre V12 with the most amazing soundtrack. What more could you ask for? 

We estimate this 1973 Jaguar E Type will fetch in the region of £45,000 - £55,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.