Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster
The Jaguar E-Type Series III, produced from 1971 to 1975, represented the final chapter in one of the most iconic automotive stories ever written. While the Series I is universally regarded as the purest and most beautiful iteration, the Series III brought something entirely new to the E-Type formula: Jaguar's magnificent 5.3-litre V12 engine, making it the world's most affordable twelve-cylinder car.
The V12 engine had been in development since the mid-1960s under the direction of Walter Hassan and Harry Mundy. Originally intended as a racing powerplant for a potential Le Mans return, it was a single-overhead-cam design with flat cylinder heads and a remarkably compact package for a V12. Fed by four Zenith-Stromberg carburetors, it produced 272 SAE net horsepower and 304 lb-ft of torque. What the numbers didn't convey was the engine's extraordinary refinement — it was so smooth that Jaguar famously balanced a coin on its edge atop the running engine.
The Series III rode on a longer wheelbase than the earlier six-cylinder cars, stretched by 229mm to 2,667mm. This was necessary to accommodate the wider V12 engine and also improved stability. The longer wheelbase came only in the roadster and 2+2 coupe body styles — the original fixed-head coupe was dropped. The wider track was visually distinguished by flared wheel arches, a larger grille opening with a chrome surround, and a cross-slatted grille replacing the earlier car's delicate horizontal bars.
The Series III was visually bolder than its predecessors. The wider stance, V12 badges, and more prominent bumpers gave it a more muscular appearance. While purists sometimes preferred the delicacy of the Series I, the Series III had its own imposing presence. The interior featured more creature comforts, including improved ventilation and optional air conditioning, making it a genuine grand tourer.
Performance was strong despite the increased weight. The Series III could reach 150 mph and dispatch the 0-60 sprint in around 6.4 seconds — impressive figures for the early 1970s. The V12's torque delivery was its greatest asset, providing effortless acceleration at any speed. The standard four-speed manual gearbox was adequate but many owners opted for the Borg-Warner Model 12 three-speed automatic, which suited the V12's character well.
A total of 15,287 Series III E-Types were produced, split between roadsters and 2+2 coupes. The final 50 cars were painted black with commemorative plaques, marking the end of the E-Type's remarkable 14-year production run. Today, the Series III is the most accessible E-Type for collectors, with roadster values typically ranging from $60,000 for project cars to $180,000 for concours-quality examples — a fraction of what Series I cars command.
Check for overheating issues — the V12 cooling system is critical and must be well-maintained. Look for corrosion in the subframes, sills, and floor pans. The V12 engine is robust but expensive to rebuild. Automatic transmission cars are more common than manuals and significantly less valuable. US-spec cars with emissions equipment are less desirable than European-spec. Ensure the cooling fans and electric fan relays work correctly. Chrome and rubber trim is expensive to replace.
Total Series III production: 15,287 units (7,990 roadsters, 7,297 2+2 coupes). Available with 4-speed manual or 3-speed Borg-Warner automatic. US-market cars received lower compression (7.8:1 vs 9.0:1) and emissions equipment, reducing output. The final 50 cars built in 1975 were commemorative black editions.