1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster Serie 3 – Exterior and Interior – Auto Zürich Classic Car Show 2021
When Jaguar installed a 5.3-liter V12 into the E-Type in 1971, the character of the car changed decisively. By 1973, the Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster Series 3 had evolved into a refined high-speed grand tourer rather than a lightweight sports car. With twelve cylinders, improved braking, and wider track dimensions, the final iteration of the E-Type combined performance with maturity.
Technical Details
The 1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster Series 3 was powered by Jaguar’s 5,343 cc 60-degree V12 engine. Originally developed for the XJ12 saloon, this all-alloy unit featured single overhead camshafts per bank and four Zenith-Stromberg carburetors in most markets. Output was typically quoted at around 272 hp (SAE gross), though net figures varied depending on emissions regulations, particularly in the United States.
Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through either a four-speed manual gearbox or an optional three-speed automatic transmission. The V12 delivered strong torque across a broad rev range, shifting the E-Type’s emphasis toward smooth, sustained acceleration rather than high-revving sharpness. Top speed was approximately 230–240 km/h, depending on specification and gearing.
The Series 3 chassis incorporated several important updates. The track was widened to accommodate larger wheels and tires, and power steering became standard equipment—an acknowledgment of the car’s increased weight and grand touring orientation. Four-wheel independent suspension was retained, with torsion bars at the front and coil springs at the rear. Disc brakes were fitted on all four wheels, mounted inboard at the rear to reduce unsprung mass. Ventilated front discs improved braking performance compared to earlier Series 1 and 2 models.
- Manufacturer: Jaguar
- Model name: Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster Series 3
- Year of manufacturing: 1973
Design
Visually, the Series 3 E-Type Roadster can be distinguished by its larger front grille opening, necessary to provide additional cooling for the V12 engine. The longer bonnet retained the E-Type’s signature proportions, but the widened wheel arches and broader stance gave the car a more substantial presence.
The 1973 Roadster was offered exclusively as a two-seater convertible; the earlier fixed-head coupé body style was discontinued for the V12 version. Chrome bumpers remained in place, though they became more prominent in response to evolving safety requirements, particularly for the U.S. market.
Inside, the cabin reflected a move toward greater comfort. Improved seat design, revised switchgear, and higher levels of standard equipment reinforced the grand touring character. The dashboard retained its classic layout with centrally positioned toggle switches and a full set of round instruments, while materials such as leather upholstery and wood accents emphasized craftsmanship.
Historical Significance
The Jaguar E-Type was first introduced in 1961 and quickly established itself as a benchmark sports car. Over the course of three series, it evolved to meet changing safety, emissions, and market demands. The Series 3, launched in 1971, marked the most substantial mechanical revision in the model’s history with the introduction of the V12 engine.
By 1973, the E-Type faced increasingly stringent emissions standards, especially in North America, its largest export market. Jaguar adapted carburetion and engine tuning to comply with regulations while maintaining competitive performance. The V12 engine itself would continue in production in Jaguar’s XJ12 and later models, becoming a defining element of the brand’s engineering identity through the 1970s and 1980s.
Production of the E-Type ended in 1974, with the Series 3 representing the final chapter of the model. In total, more than 70,000 E-Types were built across all series, with approximately 15,000 V12 roadsters and coupés produced during the Series 3 period. The 1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster stands near the end of this lineage, reflecting both technical ambition and regulatory adaptation.
Quirks and Pop Culture
The Jaguar E-Type has long been associated with 1960s automotive culture, frequently cited as one of the most visually striking sports cars of its era. While the early Series 1 models are often the most celebrated, the V12 Series 3 developed its own following for its smoothness and high-speed capability.
The E-Type’s reputation was reinforced by high-profile owners and media appearances throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Even as the Series 3 moved toward a more refined grand touring role, it retained the unmistakable silhouette that had made the original car famous.
Among enthusiasts, the V12 Roadster is sometimes viewed as the most usable E-Type for modern driving conditions due to its torque delivery and improved braking system. Its broader stance and distinctive grille also make it immediately identifiable as the final evolution of the model.
Display and preservation
The vehicle was exhibited at the Auto Zürich Classic Car Show in 2021. As part of the broader Auto Zürich Car Show, the Classic section has grown into a key attraction for lovers of historic vehicles in Switzerland. In 2021, the event took place at Messe Zürich and featured a dedicated hall showcasing a curated selection of vintage automobiles, spanning from pre-war icons to youngtimers. The atmosphere combined elegance with accessibility, allowing visitors to admire rare collector cars alongside enthusiast vehicles. Special displays highlighted Swiss automotive heritage and featured club presentations and dealer exhibits.
Conclusion
The 1973 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster Series 3 represents the culmination of one of Jaguar’s most important model lines. Equipped with a 5.3-liter V12 engine, power steering, and upgraded braking, it transformed the E-Type into a high-performance grand tourer suited to the demands of the 1970s. Its widened proportions and enhanced comfort distinguished it from earlier versions, while its historical role as the final E-Type secures its place in automotive history.
