Jaguar E-type V12 Cabriolet S3 1974

History and background

The Jaguar E-type appeared in 1961 as the successor to the XK series and quickly became one of the most famous sports cars of the 1960s. The model combined a long hood, compact passenger cell and independent suspension, setting a technical and stylistic standard for Jaguar in the segment. The car was built in several series and gradually developed from a relatively pure sports car to a more comfortable grand tourer.

The Jaguar E-type V12 Cabriolet belongs to Series 3, which was introduced in 1971 and remained in production until 1975. For this generation, the six-cylinder was replaced by the 5.3-liter V12, an engine that gave the E-type a different technical position within Jaguar's range. The Series 3 came as a coupe and convertible, with a wider body and track width than the earlier series. Thus, this version matched the desire for more agility and greater user comfort, while retaining the model name E-type. The 1974 Jaguar E-type V12 Vabriolet S3 belongs to that later and more heavily motorized phase of the model.

Within E-type history, the Series 3 occupies a distinct place as the final development of the line. Whereas Series 1 and Series 2 are primarily associated with the original six-cylinder versions, the Jaguar E-type V12 Cabriolet marks the transition to a more mature and technically modified version. Production of the E-type ran in total until 1975, after which Jaguar did not directly follow up the model with an equivalent sports car in the same form.

Characteristics and Details

This 1974 Jaguar E-type V12 Vabriolet S3 is finished in dark red and has a convertible body. The car has driven 68,116 km and has always been serviced by a Jaguar specialist. In addition, the car has been owned by the current owner for over 30 years. The car includes a trunk set and a trip master.

The Series 3 is technically distinguished by the V12 engine and the wider body. With the E-type V12, the emphasis was less on the compact sports car approach of the early versions and more on even power delivery and added comfort. The combination of the manual transmission and the V12 engine fit within the characteristics of this last E-type generation. The Jaguar E-type V12 Vabriolet S3 has been serviced and tuned by a Jaguar-classic specialist in the Netherlands. The exhaust system gives the car a custom V12 exhaust sound.

The version as a convertible reinforces the open character that has always been a recognizable element within the E-type series. In Series 3, that concept was given a different technical interpretation through the larger engine and altered body proportions. As such, this Jaguar E-type V12 Cabriolet represents a later interpretation of a model originally known primarily for its styling, but in this generation also for its modified powertrain and equipment.

Summary


The 1974 Jaguar E-type V12 Vabriolet S3 represents the later Series 3 of the model, with V12 engine, manual transmission, dark red convertible bodywork, 68,116 km and matching trunk set and trip-master. The car has been owned and maintained for a long time by a Jaguar specialist. To get a good idea of the lot we recommend you come to the viewing day.