The best 10th birthday present that the Jaguar engineers could give the E-Type was a new lease of life. This remit was certainly fulfilled with the introduction of its robust V12 engine. It was originally destined to be the power plant in the Midland manufacturers' saloon car range which, despite the company's sports car heritage, was the model that Jaguar depended on for its survival. This new model E-Type was the Series III and was larger and softer in nature than its predecessor with weight distributed 53/47 and gained the long-legged touring profile to which the model was arguably better suited. Robert Bell in 'Motor' was quoted as saying at the time that “all we expected was a new engine but what in fact we drove was a new car”. Jaguar had launched a very smooth, quiet and refined grand touring sports car.

Manufactured on 18th March 1974 this E-Type was dispatched to Jaguar's New York dealer on 27th March 1974. It was manufactured in white with dark blue interior and fitted with an automatic gearbox. The car then found its way to Spain, courtesy of a Mr. Clarke and was registered in Malaga. The car was extensively restored in 2008 by Classic Dream Cars in Madrid. An extensive collection of photographs confirms this, at the same time the colour was changed to blue. In 2014 this E-Type was repatriated to the UK and registered to the current registered keeper on 1st February 2015. He commissioned Lanes Cars, Jaguar E-Type specialists in Burton on Trent to carry out extensive work on this Series III Roadster. Work included changing the gearbox from automatic to manual, the total invoice was over £20,000. In 2024 the steering was converted from left hand drive to right. The net result of the significant investment in this Jaguar is an E-Type that is very well sorted and ready to use. An extensive history folder confirms the work carried out and the car is certainly in condition commensurate with such expenditure. Jaguar E-Type Series III's are fast becoming recognised as the best model to drive, after getting in this one and giving it a drive through country lanes, it is easy to see why. Consigned by Stewart Banks.

Lot details
Year: 1974
Make: Jaguar
Model: E-Type Series III Roadster
Registration: CDE 229M
Chassis No: 1S25302BW
Engine No: 7S159361A
Odometer: 05,903

* Huge amounts of work carried out
* Significant history folder