1973 Jaguar Series III XKE OTS Nicely Restored Example Excellent Running Cond

1973 Jaguar XKE Description:

The E-Type Series 3 was introduced in 1971, with a new 5.3 L Jaguar V12 engine, uprated brakes and standard power steering. An automatic transmission, wire wheels and air conditioning were available options. The V12 was equipped with four Zenith carburettors, and as introduced produced a claimed 203 kW (272 hp), more torque, and a 060 mph acceleration of less than seven seconds. The short wheelbase FHC body style was discontinued, with the Series 3 available only as a convertible and 2+2 coup. Fifty Series 3 E-Types were constructed as end of model commemorative cars. They featured black exteriors, cinnamon upholstery and commemorative plaques on the glove box (apart from a single green car that Jaguar painted for a long-standing customer). The final production E-Type OTS Roadster was built in June 1974.57

The new longer wheelbase offered significantly more room in all directions. The Series 3 is easily identifiable by the large cross-slatted front grille, flared wheel arches, wider tyres, four exhaust tips and a badge on the rear that proclaims it to be a V12. The first published road test of the series 3 was in Jaguar Driver, the club magazine of the Jaguar Drivers' Club, the only owners club to be officially sanctioned by Sir William Lyons and Jaguar themselves. The road test of a car provided by Jaguar was published ahead of all the national and international magazines.

Cars for the US market were fitted with large projecting rubber bumper over-riders (in 1973 these were on front, in 1974 both front and rear) to meet local 5 mph (8 km/h) impact regulations, but those on European models were considerably smaller. US models also have side indicator repeats on the front wings. There were also a very limited number of six-cylinder Series 3 E-Types built. These were featured in the initial sales procedure but the lack of demand stopped their production. The V12 Open Two Seater and V12 2+2 were factory fitted with Dunlop E70VR 15-inch tyres on 15 6K wire or solid wheels.

This very nice example has a known history and has been in the current owner's care for nearly 20 years. The car was repainted in its original livery by the leading local Jaguar restoration shop fairly recently, and a new top and Interior leather were installed by Muncie Imports- the leading Jaguar Interior facility in the country. The car runs and drives very well and needs nothing really to be immediately enjoyed.

Please note the car was not detailed for these photos. I believe this car will clean up very well and we will reshoot the car once this has been accomplished. A Jaguar Heritage Certificate has been ordered, although we believe this car is exactly as it left the factory. .