When Jaguar introduced the E-Type at the Geneva International Motor Show in March of 1961, the car produced a splash similar to that of the XK120’s premiere in 1948. Not only had Jaguar produced another breathtakingly gorgeous sports car, they had once again reset the standard for the sports car industry. Enzo Ferrari called the E-Type “the most beautiful car ever made,” and one example lives in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, as a testament to the car’s groundbreaking style. Jaguar drove one of their press demonstrators over 600 miles from their factory in Coventry to Geneva, arriving just in time for the car’s unveiling, showing that the E-type’s looks could match its performance.

Released in 1971, the defining characteristic of the Series III E-Type was its brand new 12-cylinder engine. Greatly increasing the available power and torque over earlier straight-six E-Types, the V-12 of the Series III more than compensated for power decreases due to stricter emissions control in the Series II E-Types. Exterior changes consisted of flared wheel arches to fit the new suspension and wider track, along with a cross-slated front grille. Jaguar only produced the Series III E-Type in two styles, the 2+2 coupe and the roadster, dropping the two-seater coupe. In addition, the roadster adopted the longer wheelbase of the 2+2, making for slightly more interior room.

Finished with a Sable exterior and Biscuit interior, this 1973 Roadster sports the desirable wire wheels and air conditioning, which is a welcome option in warmer climates. The current owner, a well-known Jaguar collector and concours judge in the Jaguar Club of North America, purchased the Jaguar from its second owner in 1986, using it as a warm weather driver and show car at his homes in Indiana and Florida. In 2012, he embarked on a thorough restoration, which included a new interior, top, suspension, carburetors, brakes, radiator, and completely rebuilding the engine. The owner has used the car sparingly since, and it remains in fantastic condition.

The Series III E-Type Roadster offers V-12 open air motoring for a fraction of the cost of similar cars of the same vintage. This E-Type’s 40 years of age and 40,000 miles are barely noticeable, as a result of the recent restoration. It will surely be a fantastic driver and garner significant attention at future car shows, as it has in the past. Altogether, this car represents an excellent opportunity to purchase an example that has been freshly restored by someone who is intimately familiar with Jaguar and the E-Type.