1973 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 3 ROADSTER

This Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Roadster is a remarkable example of the final series of the marque’s iconic sports car, benefiting from a comprehensive recent restoration. Under the bonnet is a 5.3-litre naturally aspirated V12, producing around 272bhp, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 28,939 miles, which is warranted by a letter in the file from the first owner.

Completed in July 1973, and first registered on 23 August that year, this E-Type was purchased initially by a solicitor, and supplied by dealer Henlys in Bristol. An official Production Record Trace Certificate from the Jaguar Heritage Trust confirms the original specification as British Racing Green over a Biscuit interior, and also that it is a factory manual gearbox model. As standard, the S3 also came with uprated brakes and power steering.

The first owner kept the car for around 40 years, driving the Jaguar regularly for the first seven years of its life. From around 1980 it was used far more sparingly, and from the mid-1990s onwards it was mostly kept off the road, and only taken for a run to keep it exercised. Whenever not in use, it was stored in their garage in Pinner Hill, so this E-Type was very well preserved.

In 2012, the first owner decided to treat the car to a total restoration to bring it up to a very high standard, and they commissioned The Carriage Company in Bedfordshire to complete the work. Invoices shown in the gallery illustrate the extent of the rebuild. It is understood that a change in the owner’s circumstances meant that the car was subsequently sold on part way through the refurbishment, and that the restoration was then completed under the instruction of the car’s second keeper. The total cost of the work is understood to have been around £88,000.

A full strip and repaint of the body shell was carried out, in the original British Racing Green. Furthermore, a rare original factory hardtop was sourced, and resprayed to match the body colour. Minor panel repairs were carried out where needed, but the original metal was reported to be in remarkably good order. The only whole new section required was the bonnet assembly - at a cost of £4,320 alone. All of the chrome trim was stripped and re-plated or replaced, the underbody was refurbished, and the wire wheels were renewed - including the spare in the boot.

While the car was originally finished with Biscuit beige leather, the decision was made to re-trim the car in light green leather, along with green carpets, to complement the exterior hue. The hardtop was also reupholstered, with the headlining to the original Jaguar specification. Its soft top mohair hood was replaced, along with a mohair storage bag. It is understood that the dashboard and the switchgear were all in good order given the very low mileage, so these were left unchanged. Likewise, its steering wheel is believed to be original to the car and has a charming patina. There are no electrical faults, and no warning lights present.

The car has just received an engine oil and filter change, and is reported to be in fine mechanical order. During the previous rebuild, the V12 engine was fitted with all new gaskets and new manifold rings, and the carburettors were all stripped, vapour blasted and rebuilt. A brand new stainless steel exhaust system was installed, and the suspension, braking system, and wheel hubs were also rebuilt, overhauling or replacing components whenever needed. A new clutch and master cylinder were fitted, along with new front and rear shock absorbers. The wiring harness was refurbished, and other faulty electrical items were renewed.

While it is exempt from mandatory testing on the basis of age, this Jaguar E-Type is fresh from an MOT test carried out on 15 December 2020 at 28,939 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisory notes. The wheels are fitted with a set of new Dunlop SP Sport tyres.

Accompanying this S3 E-Type is superb original documentation, including the original Jaguar operating, maintenance and service handbook, the ‘Passport to Service’ - showing its first registration plate of OHW 678M - and the original brown pouch. Period brochures are also present, plus a copy of ‘Original Jaguar E-Type: The Restorer’s Guide’ by Philip Porter. A comprehensive photo record of the restoration is included in an album, as well as numerous old MOT certificates, invoices from the extensive recent refurbishment, and two sets of keys.

This Jaguar E-Type Series 3 Roadster is a remarkably well-presented example of the breed, benefiting from a comprehensive restoration, and finished in a superb colour scheme. Arguably the most rewarding E-Type from the driver’s perspective, the combination of a powerful naturally aspirated V12 and a manual transmission proves particularly compelling. This car has excellent provenance, and must surely be one of the very best available.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Car Overview

  • 28,939 miles
  • manual
  • RHD
  • British Racing Green
  • Green
  • 5.3L


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #02086
  • private Sale
  • Ascot, United Kingdom

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1973 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 3 ROADSTER1973 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 3 ROADSTER1973 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 3 ROADSTER1973 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 3 ROADSTER1973 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 3 ROADSTER1973 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 3 ROADSTER1973 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 3 ROADSTER1973 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 3 ROADSTER
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