1973 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 5.3 V12 Roadster

• The S3 was designed to showcase the new smooth and torquey 5.3-litre engine, whilst also benefitting from uprated brakes, power steering, and more comfortable seating
• Delivered new to the US and only three owners in total; the previous US owner enjoyed the car for 30 years, confirmed by paperwork and letters
• Automatic gearbox giving an impressive kick-down and said to drive superbly
• Our vendor has added a new interior & roof, stainless-steel exhaust with manifolds, A/C unit, a high output starter, new carburettors, whilst retaining the original tonneau cover and steering wheel
• 95,000 miles; matching numbers, Heritage Certificate, US photos and many receipts

A decade after the Jaguar E-Type Series 1 arrived, the design progressively matured through 1971 with the introduction of the Series 3. Designed to showcase the new smooth and torquey 5.3-litre engine, originally developed for Le Mans, the Series 3 cars were available as a 'Roadster' (convertible) or a '2+2' Coupe.

The Series 3 is easily identifiable by having a large cross-slatted front grille, flared wheel arches, wider tyres, a larger bonnet bulge, updated bumpers, four exhaust tips and a badge on the rear that proclaims it to be a V12. It also featured uprated brakes, power steering as standard and a large horizontal scoop added to the underside of the bonnet to assist with cooling. The interior was entirely new in the V12, with more comfortable seating, stylish new door panels and a smaller, dished and leather-rimmed steering wheel.

Being slightly larger and altogether much softer in nature, the E-Type in Series 3 form had lost the wildness of its youth but gained the long-legged touring profile, to which it was arguably better suited. Approximately 7,990 Series 3 Roadsters were sold worldwide before production ceased in 1975.

The car presented here is a 1973 Jaguar E-Type 'Series 3' 5.3-litre V12 Roadster, bought to the UK from the US this year after our vendor wanted his ideal example. With lots of images (from 2011-2015) of the car on the renowned 'XK Data' website (which logs XK-based Jaguars) showing it in superb original condition, plus letters and paperwork confirming only 3 owners in total, the last one for 30 years, our vendor bought it. He tells us it drives 'superbly' as only original cars often can do. Since buying the car he has added a new black interior and roof, a new stainless-steel exhaust with manifolds, a new A/C unit, a high output starter, new carburettors (whilst retaining the original tonneau cover and steering wheel).

E-Types in unmolested condition are getting scarcer and more sought-after. US owners often treated these British classics very well, being wholly respectful of their history and classic status. This one is no exception, having been pampered, garaged, and loved by less than a handful of owners over the last 47 years. Offering great value for a Roadster model, this elegant sports car is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian.