1973 Jaguar E Type

Finished in Signal Red and black leather, this V12-engined Series 3 Jaguar E Type marked the end of a long search for the seller’s dream car after first seeing one as a child in Hong Kong.

Bought in 1993, ‘TXG 814M’ is fitted with many optional extras including 72-spoke chromed wire wheels, a tinted windscreen and side windows, a Borg-Warner Model 12 automatic gearbox, and a stainless-steel ‘Fishtail’ exhaust.

Still a ‘matching numbers example’ having retained its original body, chassis, engine and gearbox, it comes with an impressive service history and has been enjoyed throughout the UK and across Europe since owning it.

The seller is a huge fan of the Carcoon, telling us his beloved E Type has been stored in one for many years: “It manages to keep even the brake discs spotless during long periods of inactivity over the winter months”.

And his diligence appears to have paid off because this Signal Red E Type, which hasn’t seen fresh paint since he’s owned it, is in a fabulous condition with glossy paintwork and a distinct absence of the sort of dinks and scratches that mar lesser examples.

The shutlines are particularly worth noting because they are so tight and consistent they could have been drawn on.

The chromework is straight and shiny too, and its silvery hue contrasts beautifully with the coachwork; this one demonstrates in the clearest possible way why this is such a popular combination.

The bonnet louvres are straight and even, the exhaust tailpipe is an absolute delight, and the lamp lenses are excellent.

It’s much the same story with the 15-inch, 72-spoke chromed wire wheels. An ever-popular choice, they glisten in the sun and are in great shape. They’re also fitted with a matching set of Dunlop SP Sport tyres that are date-stamped 2015. These are a great choice, giving period looks alongside strong and progressive grip, even in the wet. All have good tread left on them but then the car has covered just 1,021 miles since 2018.

And we will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. 

The black fold furls and unfurls as it should, and its condition is excellent being free of rips, tears, and other damage. Even the plastic rear window is clear and free of scratches and creases, and the whole lot tucks away neatly when it isn’t needed.

As for flaws, there is some pitting to the rear bumper, and a few of the rubber seals have started to deteriorate.

The red paintwork also has some swirl marks on it too, but red is an easy colour to polish and a professional could probably minimise them.

The black leather interior is wonderfully simple; with no fripperies such as wood trim to distract the eye, its simplicity allows the modest chrome to shine against the dark finish of the seats and dashboard.

Of course, such simplicity would also allow any faults to glare, but that’s okay because the condition of the cabin is every bit as good as everywhere else.

The usual E Type staples, such as the row of instruments and rocker switches, are all in great shape. 

The leather seats have softened a little in their half-century on earth but they’re still comfortable and supportive and we quite like their lived-in appearance.

The door cards, by way of contrast, are excellent as is the dashboard, including the top, which is vulnerable and often showing signs of sun damage. 

The driver’s mat shows some wear to it, but the rest of the carpets are very good and lifting them up shows solid metal underneath, which is reassuring.

While we’re on the subject of the footwells, with controls only needed for the brakes and the accelerator there is a bit more room there than with the more common three-pedal arrangement, so those with long legs and/or big feet might find they fit in this example better than they do one that’s got the manual ‘box you think you want.

A more modern Panasonic radio-cassette player is fitted, as is an immobiliser.

The boot contains a full-size spare wire wheel and matching Dunlop SP Sport  tyre, and lifting them out reveals nothing but solid metalwork and well-preserved sound-deadening pads. 

All of which means that flaws and wear are minimal. The driver’s seat has some colour loss to the outer edge, as does the leather-trimmed steering wheel but that’s about all we can find to criticise.

The engine bay is very nicely presented being clean but not overly prissy. Of course, the fact the whole front-end pivots up and out of the way giving unrivalled access should you want to while away a few hours detailing it over the winter.

A box of spares is included; please see the photos for details of what it contains. Oh, and while the ignition has been updated to a more reliable electronic system, the original factory unit has been retained and is included in the sale.

The underside looks strong and well protected by underseal. It’s also worth noting that no MoT tester has ever mentioned rust and structural corrosion since the car’s online records begin in 2007.

The Jaguar’s MoT certificate is valid until April 2025, and the history file includes certificates dating back to 1978. Even more impressively, the file contains servicing paperwork from the year before that.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust’s Production Trace Certificate confirms the car’s build specification, colour, and serial numbers of the main components.

The history file also contains the handbook, a summary of the car’s mileage accrual, and a repair manual.

Lovingly maintained for the past thirty years by a fanatical E Type enthusiast, this Jaguar epitomises the balance that we think needs to be struck between condition and usability: while the temptation is often to buy a concours example, we hear too often that the owner is subsequently afraid to use it for fear of getting it dirty, which defeats the object if you’re buying a classic to drive.

No, what most of us need is something like this, a beautiful car that’s been meticulously maintained and yet still presentable enough to move seamlessly from your local classic car show to Goodwood without missing a beat.

With almost nothing to do other than polish it occasionally, our guide price of between £55,000 and £65,000 seems like extraordinary value to us. After all, it’s been in the seller’s hands for more than three decades and you don’t keep a car for that long if it’s a wrong ‘un, do you?

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’.