There are some cars that just look right from twenty paces. This is one of them. A British Racing Green 1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Roadster that’s been breathed on by some of the best in the business. And it’s up for grabs.
Let’s not beat about the walnut dash – this isn’t your average E-Type. It’s been carefully restored, meticulously fettled and, rather excitingly, upgraded in a way that would make even Jaguar engineers nod in approval.
The heart of the matter is a glorious 6.0-litre V12 built by Brian Ball, ex-Jaguar himself. This particular lump has been dyno-tested to a healthy 335bhp, and fed by Owen Developments’ ‘Le Mans’ fuel injection setup – a name that’s always a good sign if you enjoy fast corners and the smell of warm oil. Backing that up is a Getrag five-speed manual ‘box and a 2.88:1 rear axle, so it doesn’t just growl – it goes. It’s a proper grand tourer now, with the legs to cover continents.
The handling? Spot on. That’s thanks to Ohlins rear dampers and Koni fronts, with AP Racing brakes tucked behind classic chrome wires. It even sits right, with a poised stance that promises rather than shouts.
Painted in Opalescent Green (which you and I would call a particularly rich British Racing Green) over a tan leather interior, this E-Type ticks every visual box. The cabin’s a treat too – Recaro seats in supple tan leather, suede dash top, Moto-Lita wheel, and even a discreet Alpine head unit if you tire of the V12 soundtrack. Someone’s clearly spent time – and not a little cash – getting the details just right.
Speaking of spend, it shows. The restoration was handled by CMC of Bridgnorth, who know E-Types like you know the back of your right footwell. There are invoices going back decades, plus a CD full of restoration shots for the curious. Between 1996 and 2002 it was restored from the ground up, and between 2009 and 2012 it received its mechanical transformation. Since then, the upgrades have kept coming – £7,000 of bodywork at CMC, a new clutch, Avon tyres (£1,200 worth), brakes, electrics, steering rack – the list is extensive and recent.
Condition? Superb. MOT’d to April 2025 with no advisories. And yes, we know it’s MOT exempt, but that only tells you more about the owner – the sort who wants to know it’s right, not just assume.
There’s a rare matching factory hardtop included (try finding another one), a fresh black fabric soft top, and even a soft indoor cover so it sleeps soundly in the garage. The chrome is excellent, the paint’s glossy, and the underbody is solid. It’s been used, but sparingly and with care.
And here’s the thing: this isn’t a trailer queen. It’s ready to be driven, enjoyed, and shown off a bit too. It starts, it stops, it turns, and it gets you nods from petrolheads and non-car people alike. It’s the kind of car you’d take to Goodwood, and then keep on going to the south of France.
The current bid is sitting at £70,000. For a car this well-sorted, with this much history and performance, that’s not just tempting – it’s rather sensible. And when was the last time anyone said that about a V12 convertible?
You’ll find it on Car & Classic auctions site. If you’ve ever fancied owning an E-Type that doesn’t just look the part but actually is the part, this might be your moment.
UPDATE: The Jaguar E-Type sold for £87,500 after a hard-fought auction battle.
