1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 FHC SIII
- An excellent example of Jaguar’s final iteration of its legendary E-Type
- Manual transmission
- Expertly restored
- Original RHD UK supplied car with matching numbers
- Good history file with restoration photographs
| YEAR | 1973 |
| MAKE | Jaguar |
| PRICE | £86,000 |
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION
Few British sports cars command the presence and enduring appeal of the Jaguar E-Type, and this outstanding 1973 Series 3 V12 represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the finest examples of the model.
Supplied new to the UK and remaining an original right-hand-drive home-market car, this matching-numbers example has been the subject of an extensive, no-expense-spared restoration undertaken in Coventry between 2015 and 2019.
Manufactured on 9 August 1973 and dispatched to Clark & Lambert of Eastbourne, Sussex, on 7 September 1973, this E-Type retains its original registration OHC 430M. The accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Production Record Trace Certificate confirms its factory specification, including its original manual gearbox, making it an especially desirable example of the final and most refined E-Type generation.
Today the car is presented in the desirable combination of Signal Red coachwork which is complemented by a black leather interior; a colour scheme that perfectly showcases Malcolm Sayer’s iconic design. The quality of the restoration remains immediately evident throughout, with superb panel fit, exceptional paint finish, beautifully detailed brightwork and an engine bay prepared to an equally impressive standard. It is a car that has clearly been restored with longevity and authenticity in mind rather than simply cosmetic presentation. The restoration is supported by a comprehensive history file documenting the work carried out throughout the four-year rebuild. This extensive file accompanies the car alongside its Jaguar Heritage Certificate, adding further provenance and reassurance for its next custodian.
Adding to its originality and collectability, the car retains its original chassis plate and is supplied with its original operating, maintenance and service handbook, together with its original Jaguar book pack, features increasingly difficult to find with E-Types today.
In 2020, respected Jaguar Drivers’ Club Midlands Area Chairman Bob Beecham inspected the car and described it as “one of the most perfectly restored cars in the United Kingdom” with the potential to become a major concours winner, reflecting both the remarkable quality of the restoration.
Combining its UK home-market provenance, manual transmission, outstanding restoration, extensive documentation and highly desirable presentation, this Series 3 V12 is a wonderful example of Jaguar’s legendary grand tourer. Ready to be shown, enjoyed on the road or added to a significant collection, it represents an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of Britain’s greatest sporting motor cars in truly exceptional order.
MODEL HISTORY
Introduced in 1971, the Series 3 E-Type combined the beautiful styling of the E-Type with significantly improved performance, refinement and long-distance touring capability.
Beneath its dramatically elongated bonnet sits Jaguar’s magnificent 5.3-litre all-alloy V12 engine, producing around 272bhp and delivering exceptionally smooth, effortless performance. The V12 transformed the E-Type into a true grand tourer, capable of cruising comfortably at high speeds while retaining the sporting character that had defined the model since its introduction in 1961.
Distinguished by its wider wheel arches, enlarged cross-slatted grille, flared wheel openings and purposeful stance, the Series 3 possesses a muscular elegance unique within the E-Type family. Power steering and uprated brakes became standard equipment, while the longer wheelbase 2+2 chassis was adopted exclusively, providing improved interior space and greater practicality. Independent rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and refined ride quality ensured the Series 3 remained one of the most sophisticated sports cars of its era.
Inside, the cabin offers a luxurious blend of leather, polished switchgear and classic Smiths instrumentation, creating an environment equally suited to spirited driving or relaxed continental touring. The unmistakable soundtrack of the V12, coupled with abundant torque and exceptional smoothness, provides an unforgettable driving experience.
Today, the Series 3 is increasingly appreciated by collectors for its engineering sophistication, outstanding usability and unique position as the only V12-powered E-Type. Combining iconic styling with effortless performance, it represents the final chapter in the E-Type story and remains one of the finest classic grand tourers ever produced.