Lot 37: 1974 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES III ROADSTER

Being Sold To Benefit The Potter League For Animals



Silver with black leather interior and blue hood

Engine: V12, 5,343cc, 241bhp at 4,750rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: independent front and rear; Brakes: hydraulic disc. Left hand drive.

A decade after its launch, the E-Type had become ubiquitous, retaining its proud position on the world's wish list not least through having been essentially 'right' in the first place. However, while the overall form was aging with an elegance to which we would all aspire, the engines were becoming ever more strangled by unremittingly stringent regulations. Jaguar rolled with these, and the next and final evolution was announced in March 1971.

Inheriting the 5.2 liter V12 that had been developed through the infamous XJ13 sports prototype, the Series III now offered the effortless power of Aston, Ferrari or Lamborghini along with a refinement found in none of those cars, and at a price none could beat. The longer platform of the 2+2 was shared with the Roadster, and luxuries such as power steering and air-conditioning (in US models) were now incorporated as standard. There was no ignoring the two full seconds by which this new machine beat its older sister to the magical 100mph mark. The ubiquitous E-Type was thus launched into the new era.
The Series III Roadster offered today was among the last built before production trailed to an end in June 1974. Its condition is a testament to careful ownership and regular maintenance; the resplendent silver-gray paint, blue hood and blue leather are worn well on a solid and rust-free body, and an interior that shows the signs you would expect from 33 years and fewer than 43,500 miles of careful use.

Christie's is pleased to offer this fine Jaguar today on behalf of the Potter League for Animals of Newport, Rhode Island. Recognized both locally and nationally as a highly effective, solution-driven non-profit, the humane society prides itself on making smart interventions for animals and people. Since 1929, Newport's only animal shelter has housed and cared for more than 100,000 animals. Although their most visible activity is placing these animals into new homes, the Potter League's innovative programs also address the root causes of pet overpopulation, cruelty and neglect. These include a humane education curriculum, dog obedience training classes, workshops on problem behaviors, Pet Safe housing for the animals of domestic violence victims and spay/neuter initiatives for low-income families. Programs that enhance the human/animal bond include pet loss support, pet visitations, animal house calls to assist elderly pet owners, as well as volunteer and community service.

This Jaguar was generously donated by a benefactor who wanted the proceeds to help animals.