This 1974 Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster is available on Ebay and has a documented 6.5 liter 470hp V12 engine, and a host of other mechanical upgrades, all wrapped in a deceptive stock appearing package. The other upgrades include 5-speed gearbox, full suspension upgrades, and brake upgrades, to create what must be a completely different animal from the standard 12-cylinder E-Type, which has a decidedly grand touring bent to it. The Buy-it-now is just shy of $50,000, which is a terrific bargain considering the work, development, and money that has gone into this car.

The car is finished in its original British Racing Green and received a complete repaint in 1998. The unfortunate front impact bumpers have been removed and replaced with the earlier style bumpers, though the rear impact bumpers remain, unfortunately, likely because replacing them is a more involved process. It is worth the trouble to remove them in our estimate because they are pretty offensive. The wheels appear fairly stock but are reported to be upgraded stainless Dayton items for more strength. We would still feel apprehensive about 470hp going through them however, even if they do look terrific. Some eared spinners would be a nice touch as well. The car even comes with hard top and tonneau cover.

The interior continues the stock-appearing aesthetic of the exterior, with only the alloy shift knob and non-original steering wheel giving away the game. The steering wheel is very neat since it maintains the aesthetic and horn button of the earlier E-type ones, but its smaller diameter and thicker rim add a sporting feel.

The engine compartment is very impressive with a whole lot of Weber carburetors. The spec sheet is impressive too, and includes some tasty bits like Carillo rods, Venolia pistons, upgraded cams, ceramic coated headers, and importantly, a supplemental cooling fan.

We really like the subtlety and quality of the build of this car. Nevertheless, it would be fun and reassuring to throw on some knock-off alloy wheels, perhaps like the Dunlop-style ones fitted to the D-Type and lightweight E-Type. We also are inclined to think that this car will fill the bill for everything that the 12-cylinder E-type should have been. The low price and great color combination only add to the appeal and we are surprised that no one has selected the buy-it-now.

This video features a coupe with a similar carburetor setup, and indeed, it sounds very sweet!

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 31st, 2009 at 2:37 pm and is filed under Found For Sale. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.