Lot 037: 1973 JAGUAR E-TYPE V12 ROADSTER

By 1971, Jaguar's jaw-dropping E-Type had been in production for a decade. Despite continual improvements, new emissions legislation in the all-important American market threatened to strangle the big cat's performance. Jaguar responded by giving its revered sports car fresh claws in the shape of a 5343cc V12 developed from the stillborn XJ13 Le Mans project car. The new engine was both effortlessly powerful and eerily refined. "The turbine-like smoothness with which the engine provides a sustained shove in the back is almost uncanny, the more so when one accelerates hard in top gear without even a gearchange to interrupt one's headlong dash into the distance". (Autocar 5th July 1973) With some 272bhp and 304lbft of torque on tap, the Series III E-Type once again had 150mph in its sights. A revised wheelbase yielded better cabin space and together with wider tracks front and rear, new anti-dive front suspension geometry and fatter tyres gave improved road holding. Imbued with a more muscular stance thanks to its flared wheelarches, re-profiled wings and larger grille, it also benefited from vented disc brakes and a restyled interior. This automatic example, finished in Signal red with tan leather upholstery, has covered just 18,870 miles from new. A real time-warp example that has been correctly stored and maintained during its life, it remains in beautiful condition throughout and has covered less than 1,000 miles in the last ten years. Its extensive history file includes MOT certificates dating back to 1978, Jaguar Cars Ltd. Vehicle Information Sheet, a JDHT Heritage Trust certificate, sundry invoices, correspondence, handbooks, service passport, sales brochures, Swansea V5 and current MOT certificate expiring 31 October 2008.