Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 '73

The Jaguar E-Type (a.k.a. Jaguar XK-E) was a British sports car, manufactured by Jaguar Cars Ltd between 1961 and 1974. Its combination of good looks, high performance and competitive pricing established the marque as an icon of 1960s motoring. More than 70,000 E-Types were sold. In March 2008, the Jaguar E-Type ranked first in a The Daily Telegraph online list of the world's "100 most beautiful cars" of all time!

In 2004, Sports Car International magazine placed the E-Type at number one on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s.

Series III

A new 5.3 L twelve-cylinder Jaguar V12 engine was introduced, with uprated brakes and standard power steering. The short wheelbase FHC body style was discontinued and the V12 was available only as a convertible and 2+2 coupé. The convertible used the longer-wheelbase 2+2 floorplan. The Series 3 is easily identifiable by the large cross-slatted front grille and flared wheel arches, and a badge on the rear that proclaims it to be a V12. 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[clarification needed]) 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 literature. When leaving the factory the V12 Open Two Seater and V12 2 ± 2 originally fitted Dunlop E70VR − 15 inch tyres on 15 × 6K wire or solid wheels, though British police forces would eschew this tyre and fit a higher performing 205/70VR15 Michelin XWX to their Series 3 E-Types.

• Specifications


• Bodywork


• Length : cm (in): 469 (184.5)


• Width : cm (in): 168 (66.1)


• Height : cm (in): 131 (51.6)


• Wheelbase : cm (in) : 267 (105.1)


• Weight: kg (lb) : 1565 (3450)


• Mechanics.


• Displacement : V12 5343 cc (326 ci), front mounted


• Valve gear : 24


• Fuel system : 4 Zenith carburettors


• Gearbox : 4 speed manual


• Driven wheels : rear-wheel drive


• Maximum power : 272 bhp at 5850 rpm


• Maximum torque : 412 Nm at 3600 rpm


• Maximum speed : 236 km/h (147 mph)