1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Roadster

Registration no. 84 WPG Chassis no. UE1S24925

Footnotes

One consequence of the E-Type's long process of development had been a gradual increase in weight, but a good measure of the concomitant loss of performance was restored in 1971 with the arrival of the Series 3 V12. Weighing only 80lb more than the cast-iron-block 4.2-litre XK six, the new all-alloy, 5.3-litre, overhead-camshaft V12 produced 272bhp, an output good enough for a top speed in excess of 140mph. Further good news was that the 0-100mph time of around 16 seconds made the V12 the fastest-accelerating E-Type ever.

Other mechanical changes beneath the Series 3's more aggressive looking exterior included ventilated front disc brakes, anti-dive front suspension, Lucas transistorised ignition and Adwest power-assisted steering, while automatic transmission was one of the more popular options on what was now more of a luxury Grand Tourer than out-and-out sports car. Flared wheelarches, a deeper radiator air intake complete with grille, and a four-pipe exhaust system distinguished the Series 3 from its six-cylinder forbears, plus, of course, that all-important 'V12' boot badge. The interior though, remained traditional Jaguar. Built in two-seat roadster and '2+2' coupé versions, both of which used the long-wheelbase floor pan introduced on the Series 2 2+2, the Series 3 E-Type continued the Jaguar tradition of offering a level of performance and luxury unrivalled at the price.

Finished in classic Regency Red, this desirable E-Type roadster is a very original example with only a facelift re-spray to freshen the paintwork; there is no rust, and many of the parts still have the factory's paint markings. Its original bill of sale shows that the car was sold new to Mr RR Ervey of Denville, New Jersey on the 19th July 1974 for $10,150.00 and came equipped with wire wheels, air conditioning, AM/FM radio, and a hardtop. The E-Type remained Mr Ervey's possession when he moved to Brewster, Massachusetts, and was regularly serviced until 2013. It was then owned for three years by a Mrs Denuzzo from Miami, Florida and was purchased by the current owner in 2016 (bill of sale on file). The car has been cared for by Royce Engineering since its return to the UK that same year.

The original manual and service booklets are included in the sale together with the still wrapped Leyland spare tyre in the boot, which was not originally included in the sale of the car because it 'appeared to reduce the usable trunk space'. A fine original example of the ultimate E-Type, the car is offered with a Massachusetts Certificate of Title, US Assignment of Title, sundry bills, current MoT, and a V5C Registration Certificate.