1973 JAGUAR XKE SERIES III CONVERTIBLE

Details

When the E-Type, alternatively known in America as the XKE, debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, few could have possibly foreseen that Jaguar's sexy new sports car would remain in production through 1974. Relentlessly updated and improved along with three distinct generations, the beloved E-Type matured into a true Grand Touring machine by 1972 with the debut of the V12-powered Series III models that would close out production in 1974. Most visibly, the Series III cars featured a

larger intake-clearing bonnet bulge, larger flared wheel openings, a slightly wider track, revised grille and updated bumpers. The convertible now rode on a longer 105-inch wheelbase shared with the 2+2 coupe and comfort improved greatly with longer doors and sills, plus longer and deeper floors. A large horizontal air scoop up front improved cooling and the interior now featured updated seats and door panels, plus a new center console and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The E-Type/XKE went out with a bang in the United States with Joe Huffaker's Huffaker Racing campaigning an XKE racer on the west coast and Bob Tullius' Group 44 on the East Coast for the 1974 and 1975 seasons. When the smoke cleared in 1975, Group 44 Inc. took the SCCA Manufacturer's Championship with its iconic green and white E-Type competition roadster, masterfully piloted by Bob Tullius, who would carry the Jaguar banner through the mid-1980s and return the marque to Le Mans. Formerly owned by collector Tom Goodlett and acquired for the Mile-High Collection in 2015, this 1973 Jaguar Series III convertible is an unrestored left-hand-drive example, powered by a 5.3-liter V12 powerplant factory-rated at 241hp with four Zenith-Stromberg carburetors for the U.S. market. Mileage at the time of writing is 70,311 miles (the title reads mileage exempt). Sporting the driver-preferred 4-speed manual gearbox, this XKE is finished in Primrose Yellow with a black convertible top over black upholstery with a matching top-boot cover. An owner's manual is included. A rear luggage rack, chrome wire wheels and whitewall tires finish this unrestored and highly original, later-production 1973 Jaguar XKE Series III convertible off nicely. From the Mile-High Collection. **TITLED AS A MODEL E**