Fantasy Junction

Description

1974 Jaguar XKE Series III Roadster

Chassis Number – UE 1S 23383
Engine Number – 7S 14050 LA
Body Number – 4S 5890
Exterior Color – Greensand
Interior Color – Olive
Engine – 5.3L V12
Transmission – 4-Speed Manual
Current Miles – 26,493 (TMU)

Highlights

- Optioned with Power Steering and Air Conditioning
- Original and rare colors befitting the fashions of the era
- Rare and beautiful final year E-Type roadster

General History

In 1961 the E-Type was unveiled to the world. The decade had already delivered many motorsports innovations, but the E-Type was truly a revelation. The groundbreaking mechanicals, gorgeous body, and performance specs were a dynamic and surprisingly affordable combination. Informed by racing technology, the E-Type (also known as the XKE) included independent suspension all around (at a time when Ferrari was still using live rear axles), disc brakes all around (inboard at the rear to reduce unsprung weight), and Jaguar’s legendary twin overhead cam engine.

In 1971, Jaguar introduced the V12 engine to the model with the E-Type Series III, replacing the inline 6-cylinder engine used on the first and second series cars. The new V12 engine gave the car a more exotic profile along with a bit of luxury due to its smooth power delivery and more subdued engine noise. Further considerations included an increased length and wheelbase (to 105”), increased legroom and larger cabin space, flared wheel arches, revised bumpers, and a larger under-bumper air intake for better cooling. The interior was also revised to include new reclining seats, an updated center console, new door panels and a revised steering wheel. The dashboard retained much of the Series II layout but included 2+2 stowage areas above the floorwells.

History of This Jaguar

This XKE is a matching numbers 4-speed Series III left hand drive roadster finished in the original and striking colors as delivered from the factory. According to the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate accompanying this car, this XKE was assembled at the factory on September 3, 1973, and dispatched for delivery on January 24, 1974, to British Leyland, New York, NY and reportedly sold to the first owner, car collector Voyta Mayshek. Having purchased it as a gift for his daughter Lyssa, the car was outfitted with factory air conditioning, power steering, wire wheels, and a factory push-button radio.

In 2018, this car was offered by a classic car dealer, described as a one-owner XKE, then residing in Hartford, Connecticut. Promoted as an original example with just 26,000 miles, the car was repainted the original color under previous ownership. In 2020, the car sold at Barrett Jackson auctions with information indicating services for the brakes, tires, mufflers, AC service, fuel system work, carb rebuild, fluid changes and more. Service and parts invoices accompanying the car today document much of the work performed on this car from 2017-2020. Services from this period include new brake calipers, brake hoses, master cylinder, clutch master and slave cylinders, carburetor rebuild kit, fuel tank sending unit, upper and lower ball joints, track rod, new steering rack, new fan motor, a new AC compressor, new brake servo and power brake assembly unit, new heater valve, and various gaskets. New brown carpet was purchased from Hirsch Automotive along with a new pair of black sun visors.

Today this car delivers a very nice overall presentation inside and out, largely attributed to the apparently low miles and proper care over the years. Although previous representations indicate this to be a low mile car, there are no original owner service records to support this claim. The recent repaint in the correct factory color is in excellent condition with good gloss and smooth coverage. A few small paint chips are evident on the passenger side of the rear of the hood where it meets the cowl. The driver’s door could benefit from adjustment as the hinges are a bit loose. The chrome trim is in nice condition overall retaining a clean and reflective luster, though a few areas show minor signs of age. The chrome wheels are in excellent condition and the Vredestein Sprint Classic tires appear essentially as new. Lighting, trim, glass, and lenses are all in good to very good condition with no notable blemishes, bearing correct and original factory branding.

The interior is believed to be original with the exception of the carpet and sun visors, installed roughly five years ago under prior ownership. The leather seats are still in very nice shape and appear to be the rare olive colored original leather. The seats are structurally quite good, retaining good bolster support, showing no major compromise to the stitching, though some patina is evident due to the age of the original leather. There is a small tear on one of the lower seat cushions. The dashboard, instruments, and steering wheel all present very nicely with a cohesive look and feel to the original components and excellent care afforded by former singular ownership spanning 45 years.

Under the hood, the car presents as a well-maintained original example featuring largely original components fitted to the original matching numbers engine. The engine compartment features properly serviced details including recently rebuilt carburetors and a smooth performing V12 engine. The engine is clean and tidy with attention given to mechanical needs suitable for enjoyable driving or local Jaguar club events. Although the fan switch activates the cooling fan, the AC system is not currently generating conditioned air. The underside of the car is in excellent condition with very good subframes and lower body details reflective of original construction. Newer exhaust and mufflers have been installed. There is no evidence of structural compromise to the floor or suspension mounting points.

This very nice Series III Jaguar with known history and low miles is ready to be enjoyed by a passionate enthusiast and welcomed at any Jaguar club event or local concours. Rare final year of production, striking fashion-forward colors, and excellent cosmetics make for a wonderful car ready for enjoyable use.

Included with the car

The car is accompanied by a car cover, spare engine gaskets, a spar fuel tank float, touch up paint, a jar of Connelly leather treatment cream, a wheel hub removal tool, factory jack and lever crank, and factory jack bag.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608