1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Roadster

Jaguar introduced the E-Type in March 1961 to worldwide acclaim, and its early forays into motor sport were rewarded in May of that year, when Graham Hill celebrated the type's first win at Oulton Park. Success on the track was reflected on Monday mornings in the showrooms, and this was to continue right up until 1974 with over 70,000 E-Types eventually produced in Coventry. From 1961, the E-Type evolved and improved with every iteration from the original Series 1 Coupés and Roadsters, through the Series 2 cars of the late 1960s until finally the Series 3 arrived in late 1971, this 5.3 V12 only being available as a convertible or a '2+2'. The Series 3 was built on a slightly longer wheelbase with appropriate chassis modifications and larger, more effective brakes in the hope of coping with the turbine smooth 272bhp delivered by the V12. The grill was enlarged and the beautiful lines were enhanced with flared wheel arches. It now had the ride quality that could match any of its GT rivals, and with power steering and the, now optional air-conditioning, it possessed the civility and approachability that would make it attractive to a slightly different customer base. Approximately 7,990 Series 3 Convertibles were sold worldwide before production ceased.

Offered here is a stunning 1974, right-hand drive, manual, Jaguar V12 E-type in the ever popular colour combination of Signal Red with a black interior. A note in the history file explains that the car had been little used over a period of twenty years and amongst a number of old MoTs, one dated April 1991 details a mileage of 34,000, which suggests that the current indicated mileage of around 47,000 may well be correct. Today it presents in a condition commensurate with that usage with excellent bodywork and interior, the latter being renewed in 1993.

Our vendor's focus over the last year has been on the car's driveability and road manners, in order to maximise his driving pleasure on those sunny days when he takes his classic Jaguar out to play. Like a golf swing, there are about 12 factors that have to come together to guarantee a good result, and setting up a high performance vehicle is just the same, so he entrusted his pride and joy to marque specialists, Abbott Racing, with a clear brief. The file contains a number of invoices from them detailing exactly the mechanical work that was carried out to ensure the car was as good as it looks.

He has told us recently that the car has "never driven better", however, as is often the way with enthusiasts, a new project has taken his eye and with limited garage space, reluctantly the E-Type must go. The car is accompanied with handbooks and a decent history file and is MoT'd until July 2016.

Anyone who has driven a number of early E-Types can explode the myth that they are good to drive unless they have been upgraded (brakes, gearbox, cooling etc.), however doing so on a very valuable original car may well have financial consequences. It makes so much more sense to open the garage door, start your Series 3, put the top down and go where you want to go, and at today's guide price it's an excellent option.