1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Roadster Commemorative Edition (2838)

After 14 years of production and a total of 72,500 of all Series of E-Type being sold to an appreciative clientele worldwide, this Series 3 was one of the final batch of just 50 special Commemorative V12s produced by Jaguar Cars at their Browns Lane works in Coventry in 1974. As with 49 of the other cars in this very limited edition, the two-door convertible bodywork was finished in Gloss Black with the interior trimmed in Cinnamon hide with a black hood, a truly stunning combination further enhanced by chromed wire wheels. Additionally, to mark this being the end of the line for the iconic model, on the dashboard is a plaque recognising not only the final year of E-Type production and the manufacture of this particular car, but also a facsimilie signature of marque founder, William Lyons. These special 50 cars can also be identified by the chassis number sequence which started at #2822 and finished with #2872, this example being #2838. The very early ‘Outside Bonnet Lock’ cars and the ‘Commemorative Edition’ neatly book-end the wonderful story of Jaguar’s legendary E-Type.

This fabulous example had been enjoyed by four former owners prior to being purchased by its current owner, our vendor, in January 1991. From the history file we can see that the car has been looked after all its days and we understand that Jaguar guru, Don Law, rebuilt the engine in 2001. Within the file there are invoices detailing a full repaint by Ed Watson & Co Classic Motor Engineers, Warwickshire in 2015 at a cost of £8,000 and others covering annual services and maintenance by AMK Engineering in 2016/17/18 with a set of new Pirelli Cinturatos in 2018. More recently, in July 2020, the Jaguar enjoyed a major service by P&K Thornton Restorations totalling £6,800 which included all fluids, belts, etc. replaced, exhaust manifolds removed, skimmed new studs etc. and new ball joints.

The Sir William Lyons-signed brass plaque remains in place confirming it's one of 50 and the whole car is in lovely condition with just the right amount of gentle patination to remind you that this rare E-Type is not far short of her 50th Birthday.