Sir William Lyons’ slogan of “Grace, Space and Pace” is perhaps most accurately exhibited through the E-type. Arguably the most well-recognized sports car of its era, the E-type has a perfect combination of curvaceous lines and performance. This winning combination helped establish it as an instant hit, and its popularity has only grown stronger.
The initially famous 3.8-liter model lacked footwell space, had uncomfortable seats, massive brake fade, and an engine prone to overheating; nonetheless, it was loved. Over 10 years and numerous improvements later, Jaguar launched its E-type V12 engine, which provides lots of torque and horsepower. Now well-appointed, drivability benefited from power steering and power brakes. The result was a very fine and quite sophisticated grand-touring car that portrays pure elegance and class.
Per its Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, this car was manufactured on January 23, 1974, and would be delivered to the selling U.S. dealer, British Leyland of New York, in February. The first owner would be Janet Watson on September 14, 1974. At the time, Mrs. Watson’s son had just recently acquired his driver’s license, so she purchased this V12 Jaguar with the idea that the two of them could share it.
Like many young men who just acquired their licenses, Mrs. Watson’s son had the “need for speed” and found himself getting pulled over for racing and speeding more than they both had anticipated. Mrs. Watson decided to sell this Jaguar as a punishment, leading to the current owner acquiring it in December 1976.
After graduating from dental school, the current owner had purchased a 4-door Jaguar. But when this particular car came up for sale, he quickly sold his first Jag to acquire this one. Documentation includes a copy of the check he wrote to Mrs. Watson for $9,000 and a copy of its original title. When the current second owner acquired this Jaguar, it had just 5,305 miles on the odometer. Today, 47 years later, the odometer shows just 11,235 actual miles, as this Jaguar has been his prized possession and he has sparingly driven it.
An original and unmolested time capsule, this 1974 Jaguar E-type retains its original silver paint and black interior, which both present remarkably well. It has always been stored in a climate-controlled garage and maintained to a high standard; the original 272-horsepower, 5.3-liter V12 engine and optional 3-speed automatic transmission perform remarkably well and operate without issue. This Series III E-type features a number of factory options, which include center-locking chrome wire wheels, air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, Smiths instrumentation, and an AM/FM radio with cassette player. Purchased shortly after acquisition is a removable black hard top, which gives this Jaguar an additional impressive look.
