1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III Roadster

After the first Jaguar E-Type sports cars arrived late in 1961 with inline six-cylinder power, the design progressively matured through 1971 with smooth V12 power. Known as Series III cars, they also featured a larger bonnet bulge, larger wheel openings, a slightly wider track, a revised grille and updated bumpers. The convertible now rode on the longer 105-inch wheelbase. As a result, the doors and sills were longer, and the length and depth of the floor pan increased. A large horizontal scoop was added to the underside of the bonnet to assist in cooling. The interior was entirely new in the V12, including the seats and door panels. The centre console was now vacuum-formed with a simulated leather finish and a smaller, dished and leather-rimmed steering wheel was fitted. Larger, and softer in nature, with weight distributed 53/47, the Series III had lost the wildness of its youth but gained the long legged touring profile to which it was arguably better suited.

This highly original Primrose yellow Series III Roadster has been in the same family since new in 1973. Having spent most of its life in the warm climbes of the "The Golden State' of California, the body shows no signs of rust and the soft top remains unmarked, testament to its infrequent use. For the entirety of its life in the United States, the car had been lovingly stored in a heated garage.

The car is equipped with air conditioning, power steering and automatic transmission, which can only have made driving the open roads of California a sheer delight. We are informed by the vendor that the car drives well, the engine bay is very clean and the paint is in excellent condition. He also comments that the beige leather interior is in first class order.

With a believed genuine 58,381 miles from new and a fresh MOT, this beautiful example is ready to be registered anywhere within Europe. All import duties have been paid and this lovely roadster is ready for registration anywhere in Europe.