1973 Jaguar E Type Series 3 V12 Roadster

This example of the revered E Type is, indeed, a Series III V12 OTS iteration with a manual gearbox. It’s chassis number of UE 1S 24214 confirms it as a North American specified model (U) from the 1974 model year (E). A copy of the factory record confirms it was built at the end of November 1973 but didn’t leave Browns Lane until early January 1974. From there the Jaguar was shipped to the British Leyland distributorship in New York. This E Type left Browns Lane in a white livery with a biscuit hued interior. Little more is known about this E Type’s life thereafter other than by 2020 it was registered in and living in Texas. 

In 2023 the current vendor imported the Jaguar to the UK from Texas as a project car. Due to other priorities and business interests, however, the project never progressed beyond the stage in which it is offered today. With the E Type currently barn stored the vendor has decided the time is right to bring the Jaguar to market.

Today the E Type wears a fetching shade of grey primer helping the words “blank canvas” to come readily to mind. In many ways this is a great stage at which to inspect the E Type. Firstly you can see exactly what you are dealing with here which is not always so straight forward on shiny, fully painted examples. Secondly, for a car that obviously needs restoring it is already completely stripped of its accoutrements and ready for the remedial work that is required. This should save the next owner many hours of stripping out and de-constituting. 

What remains in situ is a rolling bodyshell with seemingly original cross spoked wire wheels attached to the axles and suspension. The doors, boot and bonnet are attached and open although the bonnet has to be lifted off and is, hence, a two-person job…at least. The outer door handles remain affixed for ease but everything else is carefully arranged on tables (and the floor for heavier components) all around the “mother ship.” Those amongst us who had a penchant for Airfix kits back in the day will likely be rubbing their hands together in glee.

In terms of bodywork the areas of deterioration are now clearly identifiable. These have been captured by our photographer for your review. The main areas for rectification are the lower rear wings behind each rear wheel, the lower sections of each door and the lower edges of the bonnet. The headlamp apertures exhibit some corrosion holes and there are some minor ones on the top of the bonnet. The inner sill panel of the passenger side has corroded through along its length.

Whilst we have not fully audited the parts accompanying the E Type it is clear that the vast majority of what has been stripped from the exterior is present and correct. This includes the headlamps, tail lamps, indicators, headlamp trim pieces, V12 emblem, tinted window glass and accompanying mechanisms and hood frame. Be sure to study our photographic package to fully appreciate the extent of the parts included.

We can report that the entirety of the interior of this E Type is currently on the exterior. Once more a diligent stripping down has already been undertaken with just the steering wheel remaining for ease of manoeuvre. The observant amongst you might notice that the floors….will need addressing. They will also notice, no doubt, the amount of solid steel that is also present here, too.

Some key signatures of the E Type interior are on hand and photographed for your examination. The seats should probably just be considered as frames currently, but other elements of the interior would just require a good dusting and testing before being pressed back into use. The centre console in black is present as are the speedometer and tachometer and the centre binnacle of auxiliary gauges and charming period rocker switches. The glovebox module is also here. Various of the driver controls are present including the pedals, gear lever and pull handles for the ventilation system. Interior door handles, arm rests and window winders can be spotted amongst the parts, also.

That impressive looking Hassan and Mundy 5.3-litre V12 engine is hard to miss in the collection of this E Type’s constituent parts. Again a full audit of ancillaries wasn’t possible, but the key elements of the engine bay seem to be present. The quad Stromberg carburettors and air intake plenum were noted and photographed as was the gearbox and clutch, alternator, radiator, power steering pump, exhaust manifolds and headers. Again, for the seasoned restorer it is, likely, a rare treat to have all the mechanical systems already stripped out and ready to inspect, repair or replace as necessary.

The missing floor panels aside, what can be seen of the underside looks in reasonable order but will of course require a full professional inspection to ensure its suitability for future road use.

As you might expect the paperwork available is on the modest side but what is here is instructive. The all important engine bay data plate has been retained, kept safely and photographed here. Accompanying this are a Heritage Certificate from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust outlining the extent of the original factory record for this car. The Texas Certificate of Title dated from 2020 is also on hand and this bears a stamp from 2023 confirming the car’s export. Lastly a letter from HMRC is present confirming that all the appropriate import taxes and duties have been appropriately handled and settled.

For those with a long enough memory it will be clear that the relatively high production numbers of the E Type, compared with some of its peers, meant that its stock as a highly collectable classic took a while to percolate. In recent years, however, with many cars succumbing to the rigours of time the E Type market has seemingly “come to the boil.”

This is a fascinating example for its very honest and “deconstructed” presentation. For those that know their E Types and associated restorations, this will represent a rare and exciting prospect indeed. There is no associated fear of hidden issues or gremlins with this 1974 sporting icon, with it offering nothing but latent potential ready to be unlocked.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £15,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Buckingham. To arrange an appointment to inspect this vehicle, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.