Few motor cars have captured the imagination quite like the legendary Jaguar E-Type!

First unveiled in 1961, its breathtaking styling, impressive performance and advanced engineering established it as one of Britain’s most celebrated sporting motor cars. By 1973, the E-Type had evolved into its final incarnation, the Series III, combining the unmistakable elegance and sporting pedigree of the original with greater refinement, comfort and the effortless performance of Jaguar’s magnificent V12 engine.

Introduced in 1971, the Series III represented a significant development in the E-Type’s remarkable history. At its heart was Jaguar’s sophisticated 5.3-litre V12 engine, producing approximately 272 bhp in European specification and delivering exceptionally smooth, effortless performance. With power-assisted steering, uprated brakes, a wider track and a more accommodating cockpit, the Series III offered a distinctly more refined grand touring experience while retaining the character and presence that had made the E-Type an international motoring icon.

Today, the 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 represents the culmination of one of the most celebrated chapters in British automotive history. Distinguished by its wider stance, flared wheel arches, distinctive front grille and unmistakable twelve-cylinder character, it remains a highly desirable classic amongst enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Offering a wonderful combination of timeless styling, engineering sophistication and genuine grand touring ability, the final-generation E-Type continues to embody the elegance, performance and prestige for which the Jaguar marque has long been renowned.

A magnificent example of Jaguar’s legendary V12 grand tourer, boasting matching numbers, an extensively documented restoration and an impressive history of Concours success.

The Jaguar E-Type remains one of the most iconic motor cars ever produced, celebrated for its breathtaking styling, exceptional engineering and outstanding performance. Introduced in 1971, the Series III represented the final evolution of this legendary British sports car, bringing with it Jaguar’s magnificent 5.3-litre V12 engine, improved refinement and a more luxurious grand touring character. With its distinctive wider stance, flared wheel arches and unmistakable E-Type silhouette, the Series III combined the elegance of its predecessors with a level of comfort and sophistication ideally suited to long-distance motoring.

Unlike the earlier six-cylinder models, the Series III was developed with a greater emphasis on effortless performance and everyday usability. Its silky-smooth V12 engine delivered tremendous power with remarkable refinement, while the longer wheelbase, wider track and more spacious cabin transformed the E-Type into a genuinely accomplished grand tourer. With performance figures of approximately 0–60 mph in 6.4 seconds and a top speed approaching 142 mph, the V12 was certainly no slouch. Indeed, many enthusiasts regard the Series III as the most refined and usable of the E-Type family, offering an appealing combination of classic Jaguar styling, twelve-cylinder performance and outstanding grand touring ability.

The example offered here is particularly noteworthy, being a matching-numbers 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Coupe with an impressive restoration history and excellent provenance. During the early 1990s, the car underwent an extensive, ground-up restoration to Concours standards at a reported cost of approximately NZ$96,000; a considerable investment at the time. The restoration was comprehensively documented with photographs, and the quality of the workmanship was subsequently recognised through numerous Concours awards, including First Place honours. Today, this beautiful Jaguar presents as a well-preserved older restoration, retaining much of the charm, quality and character that made it such a successful Concours competitor.

Vehicle Highlights

• 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Coupe – the final generation of Jaguar’s legendary E-Type.
• Matching Numbers Car – an important consideration for collectors and enthusiasts seeking originality and authenticity.
• Very Good Overall Condition – an older, high-quality restoration that continues to present beautifully.
• Fully Documented Ground-Up Restoration – extensively restored to Concours standards during the early 1990s.
• Approximately NZ$96,000 Restoration Expenditure – a substantial investment reflecting the attention and workmanship devoted to the vehicle.
• Comprehensive Photographic Restoration Records – providing valuable documentation of the restoration process.
• Impressive Concours Provenance – a multiple award-winning example with a history of success at Jaguar club events.
• Otago Jaguar Drivers Club Concours – November 2000.
• Christchurch Jaguar Drivers Club Concours – February 2001 and February 2002.
• First Place Concours Honours – amongst the awards achieved during its competitive showing career.
• Beautiful Red Exterior – a striking colour that complements the timeless curves and sporting character of the E-Type.
• Black Leather Interior – providing a classic and elegant contrast to the exterior finish.
• Traditional Chrome Wire Wheels enhancing the car’s unmistakable British sporting appearance.
• Whitewall Tyres adding a distinctive period character.
• Webasto Folding Sunroof – a particularly appealing feature, providing the enjoyment of open-air motoring while retaining the practicality and elegance of the fixed-head coupe.
• 5.3-Litre V12 Engine delivering the smooth, effortless performance for which Jaguar’s twelve-cylinder motor cars are renowned.
• Three-Speed Borg-Warner Automatic Transmission – perfectly complementing the relaxed grand touring character of the V12.
• Power-Assisted Steering making this substantial grand tourer surprisingly easy and enjoyable to drive.
• Odometer Reading in Miles.
• A Beautiful Car to Drive – offering the smoothness, comfort and effortless performance expected of a classic twelve-cylinder Jaguar.

Condition, Provenance & Driving Experience

What makes this particular E-Type especially appealing is the combination of its documented history, previous Concours achievements and present-day usability. While the restoration was completed more than three decades ago, the vehicle remains a beautiful example of the marque, with its striking red coachwork, black leather upholstery, chrome wire wheels and Webasto sunroof creating a particularly attractive combination. Rather than presenting it as a freshly restored showpiece, we believe it is more appropriately described as a very good older restoration, one that can be appreciated, enjoyed and driven without the reservations sometimes associated with a newly completed Concours restoration.

On the road, the Series III V12 demonstrates precisely why Jaguar developed the final E-Type into a more sophisticated grand tourer. The twelve-cylinder engine delivers its performance with remarkable smoothness, while the automatic transmission and power steering make for relaxed, effortless motoring. It is a car equally suited to an enjoyable Sunday drive or an extended touring journey, combining impressive performance with the unmistakable character of a classic British sporting motor car.

The Series III has traditionally represented a more accessible entry into E-Type ownership than the earlier Series I models, while offering greater refinement, additional cabin space and the unique appeal of Jaguar’s V12 engine. As appreciation grows for the final generation of this legendary motor car, examples with matching numbers, documented restoration histories and established Concours provenance remain particularly interesting to collectors and enthusiasts alike.

In summary, this is a stunning 1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Coupe with a fascinating history, excellent provenance and a substantial, fully documented restoration behind it. Beautifully presented in red with black leather, complemented by its wire wheels, whitewall tyres and Webasto sunroof, it offers all the elegance, performance and character expected of one of Britain’s most celebrated grand touring motor cars. Above all, it remains an absolute delight to drive; a magnificent classic Jaguar to admire, preserve and, most importantly, enjoy.

The Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 has enjoyed growing recognition amongst collectors and enthusiasts, with values reflecting an increasing appreciation of its refinement, performance and grand touring capabilities. In today’s New Zealand market, the upper end of the value range generally sits around NZ$200,000, although exceptional, fully restored Concours-quality examples may command upwards of NZ$225,000. While some vehicles are advertised at even higher figures, asking prices do not necessarily reflect achievable selling prices. Such premium examples are generally aimed at collectors seeking the very best, often with limited intentions of regular use. For enthusiasts wanting a beautifully presented, well-maintained and genuinely usable Series III 2+2, a realistic budget is approximately NZ$185,000 to NZ$200,000, depending on condition, originality, provenance and restoration history.

Historically, the Series III V12 was often regarded as the more affordable alternative to the earlier six-cylinder E-Types, but attitudes have steadily changed as enthusiasts recognise its considerable merits in its own right. With its magnificent twelve-cylinder engine, improved comfort, greater interior space and effortless long-distance touring ability, the Series III offers a driving experience quite distinct from its predecessors. Strong specialist support, an enthusiastic international following and an established network of Jaguar clubs further enhance its appeal. Importantly, these are motor cars that can be genuinely enjoyed rather than simply admired, making them particularly attractive to enthusiasts seeking both collectability and usability. Well-preserved examples with matching numbers, documented restoration histories and proven Concours credentials are especially appealing, offering the additional reassurance of established provenance in a market where quality and authenticity remain important considerations.

New Zealand Sales
Unless otherwise stated, vehicles sold for use in New Zealand will be supplied with a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and 12 months New Zealand registration at the time of sale.

Transport & Shipping
New Zealand transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged on the Buyer’s behalf and at the Buyer’s cost and risk. Any freight, shipping, insurance, customs charges, duties, taxes, import costs, certification or compliance costs are the responsibility of the Buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Export Sales
For vehicles purchased for export, the Buyer is responsible for determining and satisfying all import, registration, certification, compliance, tax and regulatory requirements applicable in the destination country.

Viewing
All vehicle inspections and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Applicable Law
All sales are subject to applicable New Zealand law. Nothing in these Conditions of Sale excludes or limits any statutory rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 310-6485. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected] anytime, or contact us through the form below.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.

NOTIFICATION AS TO NATURE OF GOODS IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993

Waimak Group Ltd is a New Zealand registered company and accepts that the vehicle being sold must be of “acceptable quality” in terms of section 7 of the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) having regard to “the nature of the goods”. Waimak Group Ltd is not aware of any specific defects with the vehicle, however (a) such a vehicle being a classic vehicle may have mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs being part of and parcel of ownership of a classic vehicle; (b) reliability is a combination of the particular nature of the classic vehicle, how it is being driven, how it has been maintained, and to a certain extent luck; (c) because of the age of the vehicle, and its propensity to rust, it is likely that the vehicle would have been fully or partially restored, or at least repainted at some point in its life, maybe even more than once. Waimak Group Ltd does not know, and cannot give advice on how good any restoration work on the vehicle had been.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as a classic car; that in terms of the Act and the nature of the goods, the vehicle is an old car, bike or boat, that may have visual and hidden faults, unlike a new motor vehicle.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak Group Ltd.

The Purchaser acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this notification and the nature of a car which is many years old.