The Series 3 E-Type usually gets a bad reputation for its complex mechanical quirks, but this highly upgraded classic may yet change the narrative. The seller has addressed every reason people usually don’t buy these, saying the problematic Lucas electrics, and carburetors are gone. The cooling has been sorted, and the AC actually works. The result is a show-winning primrose-yellow over biscuit leather E- type with a rebuilt V-12 engine, fuel injection, modern wiring, and Pirelli rubber. All of this for $49,00 and you can find it here on Craigslist out of Jefferson, Georgia. Thanks go to Tony Primo for the tip.
This E-type’s V-12 has been fully rebuilt with only 687 miles on it. The carburetor-to-EFI conversion is also a key detail that separates this car from a stock Series 3. The seller sourced fuel injection from a 1986 XJS and sent the computer to AJ6 Engineering in England for reprogramming. This is definitely not random, given AJ6 actually published a guide for this swap, noting that performance, drivability, fuel efficiency, and emissions were significantly improved by replacing the four-carburetor system with an EFI from the mid-1980s XJS. Engine cooling is handled by an aluminum radiator, high-volume water pump, and dual electric fans. The seller says it holds 188 degrees and has never run hot.
The interior was also reworked with an XK120-style dash fitted with push-button start, toggle switches, and fog light switches. While the vintage-style dash controls look the part, the center console brings the car into the 21st century, with the Pioneer head unit featuring a slide-out screen, Apple CarPlay, and front and backup cameras. The biscuit leather seating also appears to be in excellent condition, accented nicely by a fresh headliner, new carpets and a custom leather tool roll.
On the outside, the Primrose yellow paint looks brilliant against the gleaming chrome wire wheels, which are wrapped in Pirelli rubber with under 700 miles of wear. The lengthened 2+2 body style also provides extra legroom and a taller windshield, making those long-distance trips far more comfortable than a tight two-seater roadster. The car also has a Jaguar Heritage Certificate to prove its origin story, but the recent first-place trophy at a local car show proves its premium. On the flip side, it’s always advisable to do your own due diligence, and a heavily modified E-Type invites a close inspection of how well the conversion was executed. The seller indicates his flip phone doesn’t text, so call if you’re interested. For just under $50k, would you happily take these reliable upgrades, or do you prefer your E-types with all their factory-correct Lucas flaws?
Sounds like seller has ironed out all the usual problem areas with these cars. GLWTS.
Lovely car, not a fan of the yellow or biscuit interior, would change to right hand drive, maroon paint work and a black interior.