1973 Jaguar E-Type S3 Convertible

OPEN TO OFFERS

1973 Jaguar E-Type S3 Convertible – Manual

This auction has now closed. Click “I’M INTERESTED” below to enquire about this vehicle or to get notified when we consign a similar one.

Mileage~62,096 on clock
Transmission4-speed manual
Engine5.3-litre
LocationWonersh, Surrey

AUCTION CLOSED

1973 Jaguar E-Type S3 Convertible – Manual

I’M INTERESTED

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Editor and Photographer

The ultimate V12 grand tourer, blending iconic style with refinement.

The Jaguar E-Type Series 3 represents the final, most refined evolution of a motoring icon. Transitioning from a raw sports car to a sophisticated grand tourer, the Series 3 introduced the legendary 5.3-litre V12 engine, delivering turbine-smooth power and effortless high-speed cruising. With its flared wheel arches, wider stance, and signature cross-slatted grille, it remains a towering symbol of British automotive prestige and elegance.

The Series 3 successfully countered the diminishing power of earlier models by introducing a formidable V12 powerplant. Built on a lengthened chassis with a revised suspension, vented disc brakes, and power-assisted steering, this evolution delivered vastly improved roadholding and a more composed ride. Inside, the cabin benefited from plusher furnishings and increased space, cementing its status as a superior cruiser. While maintaining its legendary styling, this final iteration of the E-Type offered significantly greater reliability and a level of mechanical refinement previously unseen in the model.

Finished in red with a black interior and a manual gearbox, this home market 1973 Series 3 Roadster has been cherished by just three owners from new. Held by its current owner for just shy of 22.5 years, the car has benefited from an investment exceeding £40,000 during their tenure.

Smartly presented E-Type is backed by an exemplary maintenance history, plus it is accompanied by its Jaguar Heritage Certificate, original owner’s handbook, two sets of keys and was last serviced in December 2024.

While technically MOT and road tax exempt, it carries the added reassurance of a current MOT valid until December 2026.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Ossie the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I have owned E-Types since the 1980s and always enjoy the drive, sound and feel of these astonishing cars.

Ossie has had a connection with the Jaguar brand for decades, and as the secretary for the region's arm of the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club, he has gained a considerable amount of information and knowledge on the marque.

He obtained this V12 roadster in 2003, after being impressed by its low mileage and originality, and has kept the car as close to original as possible. The car is no stranger to Jaguar events across the country, and he also uses the car regularly for pleasure to ensure its mechanical reliability.

Ossie is selling the car to free up funds for a project and he will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Ossie

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

A masterclass in aerodynamic curves, muscular proportions, and timeless elegance.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15” wire wheels are sourced by MWS and are in smart condition, with tight spokes, clean rims and decent spinners.

The car is fitted with Pirelli Cinturato HS tyres with the spec of 205/70 - these are date coded from 2018 and have plenty of tread with even wear.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

The body presents positively, with a decent panel fit and flush-fitting panels.

The doors open and close without issue, the boot lid has a minor gap inconsistency, but the rest of the shut lines are good.

Being picky, there is an instance of corrosion noted on the lower section of the nearside rear wing, near the wheel arch, but otherwise the panels are in good shape.

The underside of the car looks solid, showing minor signs of age on the front edge of the floorpan.

The engine bay, boot floor, wheel wells and suspension mounts are in good order.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The red paint has good coverage and a consistent hue.

The sunlight catches mild swirling on the surface of the paint - so would benefit from a detail / machine polish and there are a few minor marks on the doors and the windscreen scuttle.

We also noticed mild paint fractures on the edges of the boot lid, but overall, the car displays really positively.

The car has no damage from outdoor elements showing on the trim, as it has been consistently stored in a garage since 2003.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass and seals are all in good condition, with no issues noted on the headlamps.

The nearside rear lamp lens has a small fracture.

The trim is in excellent shape and all well-mounted.

The bumpers are flush to the body and are also in excellent condition.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The interior has been looked after and retains many original fittings.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in good condition, with no significant wear.

The carpets are recent fittings and appear tidy and dry.

Dashboard

The dashboard presents well, with no outstanding wear to the padding, facia or centre console. The dials are legible, and all controls are said to be operational.

There are a few instances of age and wear on a few minor controls, but this highlights the car's originality.

The door cards and headlining are good, with no significant issues with the cabin trim.

The boot has been used carefully and is free of marks.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever are in good condition.

There is a slight tear to the gaiter.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

An exemplary history of maintenance and meticulous care distinguishes this as one of the most refined and smoothest-running Series 3 V12s available.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up without issues when cold, plenty of choke ensured a good idle without splutters or unwanted noises. There were no ignition lights on when the car was idling or on the move. Once the engine settled, the exhaust remained free of smoke.

The engine is cleanly presented, suggesting a good level of attention and maintenance. It fitted with an electronic ignition and a Kenlowe fan.

The 4-speed manual gearbox was demonstrated to operate without any faults, with a decent shift.

Ossie has not reported any problems with the car's clutch operation.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension has received attention in recent years with new shocks and anti-roll bars, and the rear axle has been replaced and fitted with new bearings. It absorbs the road confidently, with a smooth ride and no unwanted noises heard during our drive out.

The car brakes without any issues, and has seen regular attention, including a new master cylinder. When applied, the brakes feel reassuring, and we didn't feel or hear any wobbles or squeals.

The Drive

The 5.3-litre V12 is the perfect soulmate for the E-Type, its refined power and hushed delivery aligning perfectly with the car's grand touring DNA. The engine’s remarkable smoothness and vast reserves of torque allow for effortless cruising, minimising the need for constant gear changes. Thanks to a meticulously tuned carburettor setup, this particular example was praised by the Chairman of the Jaguar Drivers' Club as one of the sweetest V12 units he has ever encountered.

The car performed impeccably during our visit, made more memorable by the gloriously warm spring day. Getting up to temperature quickly, the car drives beautifully, cruising at 40-50 mph with ease, offering plenty of refinement and pull. The Jaguar manages the road without any negative feedback, the power steering offering a decent feel of the road, with no unwanted clonks or wobbles.

The oil pressure read steadily at 60 PSI while we were on the road. There have been no problems with the engine temperature; the needle stayed in the middle throughout the drive. It has three cooling fans and an override switch as a precaution.

Electrics and Other

The mohair hood is a recent fit and therefore very clean; it lowers and raises without any issues. It provides a good, tight seal.

A period radio is fitted but not currently operational.

Ossie told us everything else was working as expected to his knowledge.

Ossie noticed the exhaust rear fantail silencer had dropped from its rubber anchor in the pics. That is now fixed, he sent some photos which can be found at the end of the paperwork gallery.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

With over £40K spent over the last 22.5 years, this low-mileage, 3-owner car is a rare opportunity to obtain a well-maintained S3.

First registered by Mann Egerton Norwich in October 1973, this E-Type has been cherished by just three long-term owners. The second custodian, kept the car within a collection of prestige and classic marques. Ossie bought the car off this collector in 2003, and has since amassed over £40,000 of invoices, spent on maintenance, renovation and upkeep of the car.

The car underwent a 10K cosmetics, brake, steering, suspesnion and rear axle overhaul in 2019, and has seen regular servicing over the years. Recent work includes a new master brake cylinder, carb tune, repairs to the coolant header tank and brake work.

The car comes with its owner's handbook, heritage certificate, and photos of the 2019 renovation. It has an MOT to December 2026, last serviced in December 2024 (around 1000 miles ago) and comes with two sets of keys.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
10-12-2025	MOT	62,071
13-12-2024	Independent Jaguar Specialist Service	61,044
10-12-2024	MOT	61,044
27-07-2021	MOT	57,835
20-08-2019	Independent Service	57,020
10-08-2018	Independent Service	56,542
06-09-2017	MOT	55,776
06-09-2017	Independent Service	55,776
14-09-2016	MOT	55,469
02-09-2015	MOT	55,324
04-08-2014	MOT	55,271
20-07-2013	MOT	54,711
02-08-2012	MOT	54,697
05-07-2011	MOT	53,786
30-06-2010	MOT	53,645
25-06-2010	Independent Jaguar Specialist Service	53,630
23-06-2009	MOT	52,842
14-06-2008	MOT	52,596
27-06-2007	MOT	49,680
12-01-2007	Clutch kit	46,574
09-06-2006	MOT	45,496
07-11-2003	Jaguar Service	40,122
31-03-2003	Jaguar Service	39,927

VIEW ALL

Key Details

Year1973
ModelE-Type Series 3 Roadster
Transmission4-Speed Manual
Reg. Date26-10-1973
CC5343
Mileage~62,096 on clock
ColourRed
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #1S2363
Engine #7S13407SB
Last Service13-12-2024
MOTYes Exp. 09-12-2026
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - all clear
Former Keepers2
Tyre BrandPirelli Cinturato HS
Tyre Age2018
# of Keys2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~22 Years, 5 months
Key FeatureLovely Low Owner Example
Vehicle RegistrationPCL 222M
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body Type2-door Roadster
Auction ID3557

VIEW ALL

All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Location

Wonersh, Surrey

Delivery Calculator

Auction Closed

Let us know if you're interested

This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

I'M INTERESTED

Ask Questions

Seller : ossie

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

3 Comments

Adam Purrier - Trade Classics

Admin

10 days ago

***RESERVE LOWERED*** Ossie has reduced the reserve on the car. Good luck, Adam – TC

markjs

16 days ago

Hi
What do you think it would need to make it perfect?

ossie

Seller

markjs

16 days ago

Hi
In my view the perfect car is one which has been regularly serviced and repaired when required to keep the car reliable, elegant and as original as possible. Based on that description the car is already at that standard and I have no outstanding items other than to wire up the vintage radio . Its great buy and hard to let go after 22 years. Regards Ossie

MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

Vehicle Location

Wonersh, Surrey

Delivery Calculator

Thank You

Form Submitted

Your request has been submitted successfully and we'll keep you updated.