1974 Jaguar E-Type Series III Roadster                      ...

Estimate

£60,000 - £70,000

1974 Jaguar E-Type Series III Roadster                                 
Registration Number: ALG 700M
Chassis Number: TBA
Recorded Mileage: c.24,000 miles

- Exceptionally original low mileage example
- One family owner for 48 years

Whilst the concept of the Jaguar E Type was without doubt one of the finest pieces of automotive design ever to be put into general production, one of the problems with its continued development was the inevitable weight gain. Throughout the 1960s ever more stringent safety legislation emanated from the USA and, as this market was a major breadwinner for Jaguar, it was perhaps unavoidable that the purity of the original design would be compromised to compete within it. Emissions legislation had forced the adoption of twin Stromberg carburettors on trans-Atlantic bound cars resulting in a reduction in power to 177bhp instead of the quoted 265bhp for European examples breathing through triple Webers.

However, the balance was to be redressed with the introduction of the Series 3 model powered by Jaguar’s new 5.3-litre, overhead camshaft V12 developing 272bhp. This resulted in a top speed in excess of 140mph with 0-100 mph taking just 16 seconds, the fastest ever acceleration figures for the model. Revisions to the running gear included anti-dive geometry on the front suspension and ventilated disc brakes. Power steering was standard and flared wheel arches were incorporated to allow fitment of wider rubber to maintain grip. A deeper radiator aperture with chrome grille completed the restyle. With manual or automatic transmission options the Series 3 ensured the immortal E Type would survive into the new decade of the 1970s.

This remarkably original example was first registered on 8 April 1974 by Wood Lane Garage in Timperley, Cheshire. The car was initially the garage’s demonstrator, selling it six months later to a local businessman, who retained the E-Type for an incredible 48 years. In that time only 23,000 miles were covered in total, during which time the car’s title transferred to the owner’s son, however the father remained the car’s custodian and the only one to drive it. 

Still a largely unrestored car, we understand the car has been maintained regularly over the years. The convertible roof has previously been replaced, while in 2018 the car was given a significant recommissioning which included a differential rebuild, inlet manifold gaskets, carburettors and radiator drain/flush. There is a record of further maintenance and servicing in 2019, and again three years later. A particularly nice feature are the original steel wheels and Radiomobile 8-Track stereo. 

Finished in an oh-so-70s shade of Heather with a Burgundy leather interior, this is a genuine low mileage example of what is rapidly becoming one of the most popular of the E-Type variants.