1974 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster

Lot detailsYear: 1974Make: JaguarModel: E-Type Series III V12 RoadsterRegistration: GCF 420NChassis No: 1S2209BWEngine No: 7S12620AOdometer: 67,000The Jaguar E-Type was ten years old and in need of a new lease of life. History repeated itself when Jaguar debuted its robust V12 engine in a sportscar instead of the saloon for which it was designed. Despite its sportscar heritage, Jaguar depended on saloon vehicles for its survival and had developed the twelve-cylinder engine to power them with sufficient torque and refinement. Larger and softer in nature and with its weight redistributed 53/47, the Series III had lost the wilds of its youth but gained the long-legged touring profile to which it was arguably better suited. Robert Bell in Motor magazine was quoted as saying at the time that 'all we expected to try was a new engine, but what in fact we drove was a new car. Not a yowling, aggressive Ferrari-like machine with which, perhaps, most people associate a V12 engine, but a very smooth, quiet and refined grand touring sportscar.This example represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a highly desirable, late-production 1974 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Automatic Roadster, presented in excellent condition with an outstanding provenance. Registered new on 16th October 1974, this vehicle represents one of the final examples built of this iconic British sportscar. It is beautifully finished in vibrant Signal Red, perfectly complemented by a contrasting Cinnamon Beige leather interior with matching carpets, a refined black Mohair soft top and gleaming chrome wire wheels. The standout feature of this E-Type is its remarkable ownership and mileage history. The vehicle has been cherished by just one owner for the last 40 years, having remained in their dedicated care since 1986. During this four-decade tenure, the car was driven a mere 7,000 miles, bringing the total odometer reading to a highly conservative 67,839 warranted miles from new. Accompanying the Jaguar is a substantial and meticulously kept history file dating back to 7th April 1986, which includes a Heritage Certificate, an old logbook and an old MoT test certificate recording the mileage at 59,553 miles at that time. The archive features a wealth of service invoices, including photographic evidence of a comprehensive bare metal repaint completed circa 1990. Demonstrating a continuous commitment to preservation, the history file also documents a major mechanical recommissioning in 2019 at a cost of approximately £10,000. More recently, in July 2026, the car underwent a fresh service and mechanical tune-up to ensure it runs as beautifully as it looks. Finding a late-series V12 Convertible combining such low mileage, long-term single ownership and a richly documented history is an incredibly rare occurrence. This usable and beautifully maintained investment-grade classic is ready for its next custodian to enjoy on the open road or display at club events. Consigned by James Good