LMC is very proud to offer for sale this 1974 Jaguar XKE Roadster
With looks that even Enzo Ferrari envied, the Jaguar E-Type was not merely sensational to look at, but also shatteringly quick. The original 6-cylinder E-type evolved through the swinging ‘60s, its performance was to some extent neutered by U.S. federal regulations. This pushed the launch of the Series III featuring Jaguar’s race-derived all-aluminum 5.3L V-12, which bettered the acceleration of all preceding models and restored its 140 MPH-plus performance. The V-12 Series III, based on the longer wheelbase of the Series II 2+2 coupe, was also without doubt the most refined and sophisticated of the breed. The all-around disc brakes were now ventilated at the front, and suspension was revised to improve road manners. The cabin was roomier and better equipped, and though Jaguar still referred to its open model as a roadster, it was effectively a cabriolet with a proper folding top that improved weather protection and was better sound-proofed. When stowed, it fitted neatly under a boot cover. An automatic transmission was an option, but the 4-speed manual transmission, as on this 1974 example, was the preference of those who wanted to make the most of the E-Type’s performance.
This desirable final year E-Type offered here for sale was delivered to its original owner in Aberdeen, Maryland by Bennet Jaguar, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, on April 8, 1975, at a final price of $9,260. The original owner optioned his new E-type with factory air conditioning and wire wheels. The original buyer traded it four years later to the second owner who kept the Jaguar for 34 years but drove it only about 3,500 miles, most of them between 1978 and 1986. The car was then put into proper storage in a heated garage until purchased by the third owner with only 4,493 actual miles in 2013.
The third owner purchased this low mile survivor with the intention to commission a complete nut and bolt rotisserie restoration. Starting with such an original car made the restoration easier and allowed them to retain much of its factory components. The numbers matching 5.3L V-12 engine and four speed manual transmission were completely rebuilt back to factory specification. The exterior body work was resprayed in Black livery complemented by the original red interior with the exception of new carpet. The factory-optional wire wheels were polished to show quality and a new set of tires mounted.
Today this extremely rare to find Series III has only 7,730 miles recorded on the odometer and looks like it just rolled out of the dealership back in 1974. Accompanying this special Jaguar are owner’s manuals, original bill of sale, tools, restoration receipts and photos, service manuals and more. A truly special low mileage example, in a highly desirable color combination that has been completely restored from the ground up!