1973 Jaguar E-Type Roadster

1973 JAGUAR XKE-V/12 ROADSTER #UD1S22407.
(Stock #4013.) In 1961, Jaguar introduced the “E-Type,” or “XKE” as it
became commonly known. The car was instantly recognized as one of the most
handsome sports cars ever built and has been a highly desirable item since its
introduction. The car’s original 6-cylinder engine lived on in 2-seater coupe,
2+2 coupe and roadster form through different iterations until 1971 when it
was replaced with a 5.3 litre, 4-carburetor, V-12 engine. Our car is one of
those later, more powerful cars. It was purchased new by the patron of a local
family and remained with him at the family estate, moving to their Florida
home in winters, until we were able to purchase the car from him in 2009,
then with @46,000 miles. We then sold the car to another local (Bedminster)
enthusiast who drove the car sparingly, covering an additional 3,000 miles
until 2013 at which we sold it to another local British car collector, a
transplanted Brit from Mountain Lakes. He recently sent the car to Hibernia
Auto Restorations to individualize it a bit and make it as close to new
condition as possible. They have repainted the car in its original Carmen Red,
installed new—as original-- Biscuit leather, had the original engine fully
rebuilt, installed a new 5-speed Tremac transmission—a preferred
replacement for the original 4-speed unit--and had a couple of interior touches
individualized for himself. The “butterfly” rocker switches have been
replaced with toggle switches, reminiscent of those on the original Series I
XKE, and engine-turned metal has been installed behind theose switches and
on the top of the console. In a nod to the original E-Type, the original 4
Stromberg carburetors have been replaced with 4 new SU units, similar to the
3 SU’s with which the original E-Types were fitted (the originals have been
kept with the car.) Additionally, the rather cumbersome bumper guards
which were fitted in 1973 and 1974 have been replaced with pretty chrome
overriders, again reminiscent of the E-Types of the earlier years. The car now
drives beautifully with wonderful cosmetics to match. Original manuals and
records accompany the car along with, of course, the full local provenance of
the car since new. 52,245 miles. SOLD!