1974 Jaguar E-Type Series 3 V12 Roadster, four-speed manual, original car with fresh fuel and brake work

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: this is a 5.3-liter V12 Series 3 roadster with the four-speed manual, in Signal Red over a Russet leather interior, offered by RXRIDES in Burbank for $50,250. The seller lists recent work on the carburetors, the whole fuel system (tank, sender, pump and lines), the brake and clutch master cylinders and hoses, the ignition and the thermostats, and says service records come with the car. The car is described as original, and the seller discloses chips, crazed paint on the hood and wear on the driver's seat.

Manual US-market Series 3 roadsters in this kind of honest, unrestored condition have recently sold for $53,000 to $74,000. That puts this one about 21% under the middle of the range before cosmetics. The margin is small, so it only works if an inspection finds the structure and the V12 healthy.

The value check

The seller is asking $50,250. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $53,000–$74,000, so the middle of the market is about $63,500. That put this car 21% under.

Recent US sales of manual Series 3 V12 roadsters in original, non-show condition ran $53,000 to $74,000 (BaT, Cars & Bids, Bonhams, Aug-Oct 2026); the midpoint is $63,500, so $50,250 is about 21% under. This is a narrow pass: a modified 80k-mile car made $50,000 on BaT in September.

Where the numbers come from:

• Cars & Bids 1974 S3 roadster, manual, $66,800 (Oct 2026)
• BaT 1973 S3 roadster, manual, $53,000 (Aug 2026)
• BaT 1973 S3 roadster, manual, $60,000 (Sep 2026)
• BaT 1973 S3 roadster, manual, $74,000 (Jun 2026)
• Classic.com Series 3 roadster sold results

What to check

• The 7,995-mile odometer reading is flagged as unverified, so treat it as unknown mileage.
• Check the sills, floors, the rear radius-arm mounts and the bonnet hinge area for rust or old repairs. A Series 3 monocoque is expensive to fix properly.
• V12 overheating is common. Inspect the radiator, fans, hoses and the condition of the coolant, and look for oil leaks from the rear main seal and cam covers.
• The crazed paint on the hood could mean filler underneath. Use a paint meter on the bonnet.
• Title status is not stated in the listing. Confirm a clean title in the seller's name.
• Ask for the service records the seller mentions and look at the recent carburetor and fuel-system invoices.

Making it drive like new

A good Series 3 rewards light upgrades that keep the car reversible: an aluminum radiator with modern electric fans and a fan controller, electronic ignition, a 5-speed gearbox conversion (Getrag or Tremec kits exist for the V12), upgraded front calipers, and polyurethane suspension bushings. Many owners also replace the Strombergs with a modern EFI kit for easier starting and better drivability.

1 builder makes a complete chassis for the 1961–75 Jaguar E-Type. Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.