Whilst the concept of the Jaguar E Type was without doubt one of the finest pieces of automotive design ever to be put into general production, one of the problems with its continued development was the inevitable weight gain. Throughout the 1960s ever more stringent safety legislation emanated from the USA and, as this market was a major breadwinner for Jaguar, it was perhaps unavoidable that the purity of the original design would be compromised to compete within it. Emissions legislation had forced the adoption of twin Stromberg carburettors on trans-Atlantic bound cars resulting in a reduction in power to 177bhp instead of the quoted 265bhp for European examples breathing through triple Webers.
However, the balance was to be redressed with the introduction of the Series 3 model powered by Jaguar’s new 5.3-litre, overhead camshaft V12 developing 272bhp. This resulted in a top speed again in excess of 140mph with 0-100mph taking just 16 seconds, the fastest ever acceleration figures for the model. Revisions to the running gear included anti-dive geometry on the front suspension and ventilated disc brakes. Power steering was standard and flared wheel arches were incorporated to allow fitment of wider rubber to maintain grip.
A deeper radiator aperture with chrome grille completed the restyle. With manual or automatic transmission options the Series 3 ensured the immortal E Type would survive into the new decade of the 1970s.
Manufactured on the 28th March 1973 and sold on the 10th May 1973 to Mr K Hyde by Howell’s Garages in Newport, Wales as documented in the original Jaguar Passport/Service Book supplied with the car. This fine example is described by the vendor as being in excellent condition in every respect. The Azure blue paintwork described as excellent along with the biscuit interior; with the desirable manual gearbox and chrome wire wheels it’s stunning from every angle.
The car is supplied with a Heritage Trust Certificate, original service book, old MoT’s and tax discs, a V5 document and an MoT valid until 20th May 2016.
This manual example has to be one of the best V12 roadsters on the market today.
View 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster on www.coys.co.uk for further details.