1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Roadster |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Roadster

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Mileage~37,289 on clock
Transmission4-Speed Manual
Engine5.3-litre
LocationAylesbury

AUCTION CLOSED

1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Roadster

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Consigner & Editor

Effortless V12 power enveloped in a beautifully designed automotive masterpiece.

The Series 3 V12 models of the E-Type, released in 1961, represent a substantial evolution from the original version, signifying Jaguar’s intention of becoming a producer of luxurious touring vehicles that retain strong performance. The V12 variants were primarily introduced for the demanding US market, offering increased power without significant weight increase, thanks to the race-engineered compact single-cam heads.

That seamless power delivery, enhanced cabin space, and a more comfortable ride helped sustain the E-Type’s popularity in the United States, where it remains well-supported by specialists and enthusiast clubs. With a wider body and extended wheelbase, the Roadsters gained preference for their distinction as one of the few open-top V12 cars available during that era. Despite the visual enhancements and safety modifications, the key design elements that render this car one of the most visually appealing in history have been maintained, solidifying the E-Type's status as the final representative of the true analogue Jaguar sports cars.

This beautifully maintained 1974 Series 3 Roadster comes to market from ~18 months with our vendor. It is finished in "British Racing Green", featuring a "Biscuit" leather interior and a manual gearbox, was first registered in the UK in 2018 and has been converted to right-hand drive. It comes equipped with wire wheels and lacks the bulky exterior fittings common in the US market, in addition to having a stainless steel exhaust system and an electronic ignition.

Since 2023, the car has undergone £2,000 worth of maintenance and is exempt from road tax and MOT; however, it includes an MOT valid until August 2025 and was serviced just 50 miles ago.

The car comes to market with a keen reserve which overly compensates for its imported status, and thus provides an affordable route into E-Type roadster ownership.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Trevor the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

It’s a car that I’ve always dreamed of owning and driving.

Trevor has had a long-standing passion for classic cars, having owned a remarkable variety of British vehicles since his youth. In 2023, he discovered this very well-preserved US import online and decided to buy it, excited about the opportunity.

Unfortunately, this coincided with his acquisition of a modern performance car, which provides a similar level of driving pleasure as the E-Type, leading him to use that car more frequently. Consequently, the Jaguar has been driven less, and he believes it should be sold to someone who will truly appreciate its seductive charms.

Trevor will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Trevor

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The stunning British Racing Green finish enhances the superb condition of the body.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15" wire wheels have tight spokes and show no significant signs of damage. The correct-era Jaguar branded triangular knock-off spinners are also in excellent condition.

It's fitted with high-speed Avon Turbospeed tyres; these were manufactured in 2017 but are believed to have been installed more recently. They have a healthy and even amount of tread.

Bodywork

The bodywork is in outstanding condition, with the panels aligning very well visually with the body and displaying consistent panel gaps. The bonnet and its beading are flush to the body and opens and closes smoothly, while the spring-loaded trunk latch functions without any issues. Both passenger doors open and close without effort.

The structure is reassuringly solid, with no problems observed on the floor pan, boot floor, engine compartment, or wheel wells. There are some minor signs of ageing on a few underside brackets, but nothing that can’t be cleaned up.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in "British Racing Green", the exterior features an excellent application that displays uniform colour and a positive lustre, free from any obvious signs of wear, chips, or swirls.

A small paint touch-up can be found on the lower near-side wing, situated just below the bumper.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in excellent condition, with the seals displaying well. Both passenger windows wind down smoothly. The lights and lenses are in good shape.

The chrome trim appears correct for the model year, and while there are minor age-related signs on the bumpers, they are not distracting.

The hood is in decent shape and provides a secure fit, functioning smoothly when raised and lowered. There are minor signs of wear on the near side of the C-pillar.

Included is a leather cover for when the hood is folded and a tool kit.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

It retains its sophistication with contrasting, well-maintained "Biscuit" high-quality leather upholstery.

Seats and Carpets

The Biscuit perforated leather seats are in good condition, displaying only slight creasing and wear, we didn't notice any rips.

The carpets are intact and free from moisture, a deep clean would bring them out nicely. The boot is neatly finished, exhibiting minimal signs of wear.

There are minor indications of sun fade on the driver-side sill covers. The remainder of the cabin trim and carpeting is presentable.

Dashboard

The dashboard and centre console are smartly presented and free of significant damage. The dials are legible and all of the switches are reported to be working correctly. There is minor cosmetic damage around the clock on the centre instrument console, but the rest of the facia padding remains in good condition.

The glovebox latch may require some adjustment. The existing Blaupunkt tape player is not operational, but Trevor can swap it out for a similar model if preferred.

The door cards are in decent shape, with only minor cosmetic blemishes on the headlining, and there are no indications of dampness.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The leather-wrapped steering wheel shows an aesthetically pleasing amount of patina on the rim.

The gear lever gaiter and its housing are in good condition, though the knob itself has a crack.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The unmistakable experience of the V12's howl is complemented by its smooth comfort and sophistication.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine started immediately, without any delays, misfires, or knocks. All dashboard warning lights stayed off as the engine smoothly continued its charismatic growl. The exhaust condensation quickly dissipated, and there were no indications of unwanted smoke during our time there. There were no signs of fluid leaks the day.

The engine has been well-maintained and demonstrates the advantages of a proactive maintenance routine. It is equipped with a Lumenition Electronic Ignition.

The manual transmission was demonstrated to work well, with no issues reported; it shifts gears effortlessly, and Trevor is pleased with how the performance of the clutch.

Suspension and Brakes

The car has reportedly undergone suspension improvements over the last four years, featuring new shocks and springs. It handles well, cushioning the bumps in the road without any noticeable thuds or creaks.

The braking system is also very efficient, slowing the car smoothly and without any adverse reactions. The rear calipers and pads were replaced in August 2024.

The Drive

The immense joy of driving this iconic car is perfectly matched by the sleek and refined design of the E-type. Designed for both speed and enjoyment, the V12 models provide substantial torque along with quick acceleration—impressive for a car that evolved into a graceful and refined luxury cruiser.

The E-Type accelerates smoothly from a standstill, the engine resonating powerfully as Trevor shifted through the gears. The complete stainless steel exhaust system enhanced the exhilarating experience, creating a more robust sound, especially as Trevor increased the RPMs.

It offered a comfortable ride, and the power-steering remained precise throughout the journey, showing no resistance and minimal slack. Trevor demonstrated a sudden ‘emergency’ stop, highlighting that the car didn’t veer to either side.

The oil pressure was above 60 psi once we reached cruising speed, and Trevor reported no concerns regarding the engine temperature.

Electrics and Other

Trevor told us that all electrics apart from the Blaupunkt tape player are working as expected to his knowledge.

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History and Paperwork

Brought into the UK in 2018, it has undergone a conversion to right-hand drive and has had £2,000 spent on maintenance since 2023.

Originally ordered for the North American market, it seems to have undergone an extensive but undocumented restoration in the recent past. The chassis number signifies it as a 1974 model manufactured in 1973 and is thought to be among the final 1,117 Left-Hand Drive Series-3 Roadsters produced. Trevor believes the car originated from a dry state.

It was first registered in the UK in late 2018, with a Right-Hand Drive conversion completed a year later. Acquired from a collector in Cumbria in August 2023, Trevor has invested £2,000 in various items related to brakes and servicing. For reassurance, Trevor had the car undergo an MOT, even though it was exempt from this requirement.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.