1974 Jaguar XK

1974 Jaguar XKE Series III Roadster In 1971, the final model of the historic E-Type was first manufactured. The Series 3 E-Type was only produced as a convertible and 2+2 coupé, after the short wheelbase was discontinued. With a new 5.3L Jaguar V12 engine - and the badge on the back to prove it - as well as improved brakes and power steering, the Series 3 E-Type managed 272 hp, more torque, and a 0-60 mph acceleration in less than seven seconds. The large cross slatted front grille, flared wheel arches, wider tires, and four exhaust tips are the classic identifying features of the historic Series 3. Etypeuk.com For consignment, a 1974 Jaguar XKE Series III roadster showing 24,502 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This one has its numbers matching V12 under the bonnet. 1974 was the final year for the XKE, often debated as being the most beautiful car ever built. Exterior An XKE is a stunning beast in any color, and there's certainly nothing wrong with Old English White as we have here showing with very few imperfections as we'll see. It's contrasted by a black canvas top and along with the tires and Americanized bumpers, presents a clean, black and white palette augmented by polished metals. Streamlined chrome bumpers hug the body while the doors feature crown trim that is vibrant and bright. The trim around the headlights sweeps back to point the fenders and out back, quad exhaust cant upwards in epic fashion. 15-inch chrome wire wheels put the finishing touch on the long nosed car and despite being 'sportscar low' to the ground, the car wears 75 series tires. Imperfections include a scuff on the door, fender, and fuel door, touched up chips, a few bubbles and edge chips on the bonnet, a crack in the paint at the door jamb, and some various chips. Interior The doors are dressed in red leather that's smooth and includes some polished trim, low hardware, and both are in great condition. On the other side of the sizable red sills you'll find classic bucket seats, also in red leather, stitched to perfection, and only showing some light use on the driver's side. The package shelf behind the seats is coated fully with red low pile cloth and leather which is of a similar shade to the more plush carpet that fills the footwells. Then it fades to black up front including the steering wheel rim and center cap and the entire dashboard with numerous gauges and a row of toggles switches over a row of vents. Further down, you'll find an AM/FM radio just before a black balled shifter meets your hand, followed by a chrome handbrake and it's all in nice condition. The trunk, or boot, is lined in tan material hemmed in brown for a handsome finish to the space. Drivetrain The busy bay houses the legendary 5.3 liter V12, numbers matching here, and rated at 272 horsepower. It's fueled through four Zenith Stromberg 175CD carburetors and set into motion via a 4-speed manual transmission routing power to 3.54 gears in the rear axle. Undercarriage Driver quality conditions prevail underneath with some typical surface rust, some belly scrapes to the mufflers, and some residual oil about. Those stock style mufflers are part of the dual exhaust system which as we've noted, terminate with fantastic chrome tips out back. Power disc brakes are found on all four wheels and suspension is independent at both ends, consisting of torsion bars in front and coil overs in back. Drive-Ability That distinctive V12 sound bellows through our receiving room and out to the test loop where the car does what E-types do; handles well, provides good power, and engages the driver on every level. We're on 25 year old tires so we did not take turns with much speed. We note the throwout bearing is slightly noisy and the clutch indicates some age but was not slipping during our time behind the wheel. Also of note are the A/C and clock, both of which are not working. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at t