1973 Jaguar XKE E-Type Roadster

During the E-Type's long process of development, it gradually gained weight. The vehicle's loss of performance was restored in 1971 with the Series III V12, which weighed just 80 lbs more than the outgoing cast-iron-block 4.2-litre XK six. The 5.3-liter, overhead-camshaft V-12 engine produced 272 horsepower, which gave the Jaguar E-Type a top speed in excess of 140 mph. To cope with the increase in performance, ventilated front disc brakes were installed, along with an anti-dive front suspension, Adwest power-assisted steering and Lucas transistorized ignition. The automatic transmission was a popular option. Styling updates included a four-pipe exhaust system, a 'V12' badge on the boot, flared wheel arches, and a deeper radiator air intake. Body styles included a two-seat roadster and a '2+2' coupe, built atop the long-wheelbase floor pan introduced on the Series II '2+2.'

This 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V-12 Roadster left the production factory on October 20, 1972, finished in a white exterior with a dark blue leather interior. It was given a four-speed manual transmission paired with the 5.3-liter V12 engine.

The Jaguar was sent to the United States on December 22, 1972, and sold to its first owner via British Leyland's New York distributorship. Currently, the car wears a triple black color combination. Over $16,000 was spent on service work in 2016, with the work performed by Aventura Auto Service of Southampton, New York. The work included stripping and refinishing the floors, replacing the faulty radiator cooling fan, repairing the charging system, setting the ignition timing, and balancing the carburetors. Over $13,000 was spent on retrimming the seats, door panels, and center console in black leather. The floor was given Wilton Wool carpeting.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024