I admit that I go weak at the knees every time I see a Jaguar E-Type Roadster. Enzo Ferrari is reputed to have described it as the most beautiful car ever built, and I can but agree with “il Commendatore.” This 1973 example is an estate find needing a new home. Its former owners spent a fortune on this classic between 2010 and 2015, and the buyer is set to reap the benefit from that attention. The Jaguar is listed here on Craigslist in Northern Virginia. The seller has appointed an auctioneer who can be contacted via the listing for further details, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Anthony M. for spotting this British beauty.
Jaguar introduced the Series 3 version of the E-Type in 1971, which was the last before the XJS replaced it in 1975. Our feature car left the Coventry factory in 1973, with the first owner ordering it in dazzling Signal Red. The company introduced this shade in 1969, and it remained available for the E-Type’s remaining production run. The seller indicates that the Roadster received a repaint in its original color around 2015. Its presentation is impressive, with no visible significant panel or paint imperfections. However, this classic isn’t perfect, with one of the close-up shots revealing what appears to be developing rust bubbles in the rear valance. This is pretty common, and addressing it fairly quickly would be wise. The Black soft-top looks pretty respectable, with no rips or other issues. The chrome and glass are acceptable for a driver-grade classic of this caliber, and the wire wheels are flawless.
Jaguar introduced the E-Type with a gorgeous DOHC six under the hood, but the 5.3-liter V12 became standard equipment by the time the Series 3 emerged. Producing 264hp and 304 ft/lbs of torque, buyers could choose between a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission. The four-speed offered better performance and is the one chosen by this car’s first owner. The ¼-mile journey should take 14.5 seconds, with the V12 running out of breath at around 150mph. The seller indicates that the two former owners spent a whopping $22,000 on this car’s mechanical components between 2010 and 2015. The brakes, steering, suspension, hubs, and clutch all received TLC, and the Roadster has seen very little active service since. The work is verified by a selection of invoices and other paperwork, with the seller recommending a thorough mechanical inspection before the winning bidder hits the road to enjoy all that the E-Type has to offer. They supply no interior shots but believe that the Jag recently received a retrim in its original Tan leather.
The Jaguar E-Type has been a consistent performer in the market for years, although the 1973 Roadster has suffered the fate of many classics during 2024 as values have fallen dramatically. However, I see no reason why this car shouldn’t top $60,000 at auction. You would need a crystal ball to determine whether values will climb to their previous levels, but I have learned to never say “never” with any vehicle because the drop could be little more than a market correction that happens occasionally. Regardless of the outcome, I will envy the new owner as they slip behind the wheel of the most beautiful production car ever built. Do you feel the same?
Gorgeous! I was fortunate enough to own this car’s 1974 twin. It actually compared very favorably to my ’67 E-type FHC (coupe). Though entirely different driving experiences – the ’67 a true sports car, the ’74 more of a grand tourer – they were both thrilling to drive. The torque of that V12 is truly impressive. Launching from stop with any turn in the wheel resulted in laid rubber every time. And both were pretty simple to work on. Buy one if you can!
I restored a 1967 DHC from basketcase to nice driver in 1982. I think the 1967 was the best year for the XK-E
Magnificent. Somehow it looks even better with top up. I had not heard of the V12 four speed stick combination, what a blast it must be to go through the gears on this.
My uncle had this same car in silver. Bought it new and sold it to a collector in 1988 with only a few thousand miles on it for $22,000. Took impeccable care of it and yet had it repainted in the early 80s for whatever reason. Don’t know if they were the car to have back then but $22k in 88 should translate to a hell of a lot more than $60k in 2024.
$22k in ’88? Must have been right before values skyrocketed. I subscribed to Hemmings back then and an E-type had always been my dream car. I clipped and saved all of the Jag classified pages in a file.
At least by ’99, I think – when speculation on exotics hit a fever pitch – nice V12 E-types were $120-150k, believe it or not. About twice what the 6 cyl cars were selling for. That is completely reversed today, of course, with the Ser 1 Es considered the most valuable