The best Gran Turismo where you can feel the breath of craftsmanship

*This is a translation done by a machine.

If the first model of a collectible sports car is the MGB, the standard sports car would be the "Jaguar E-Type" and also the series 3.

There were 4 types of E type, Series 1, Series 1.5, Series 2, Series 3, from the debut in 1961 to the discontinuation in 1975. The appeal of the series in common is 1) styling, which is said to be the most beautiful in the world created by the long nose and short deck, 2) the latest mechanism directly connected to the racing car, and 3) high performance with maximum speed of 240 km/h over, 3) high cost performance compared to other competitors. In particular, the E-Type, which has a low, thin, streamlined style that is different from the earlier design of the car's trailing edge, has influenced many sports cars in the world that have appeared since then.

Of course, each series has its own charm. For example, Series 1 has a simple, efficient and beautiful styling, and Series 2 has a good balance of running and reliability. Even so, the reason why the Series 3 is pushed forward as the standard for sports cars is that AT can be selected for all grades, the driving comfort has been improved by the standardization of power steering and the adoption of a newly designed seat, and the comfortable performance has been greatly improved. If you have a car in your hand, you want to see it as a collection, but you also want to drive it from time to time, and ideally, everyone wants to enjoy it without being patient. The only E type that meets that need is the series 3, which is practical for daily use, and the models before the series 2 can be said to be for advanced users.

Another big attraction of the Series 3 is the 5.3 lV 12 OHC engine made by Jaguar. It is a direct unit of racing car XJ 13, and has enough space to drive gracefully and vigorously with just one accelerator of a driver, which is nothing compared to a direct 6 engine. The satisfaction and superiority of owning one of the few mass-produced 12 engine-powered cars in the world. This is a status that you can't get before Series 2, and if you have a collectible car, I think you can't miss this point. "You can see it, you can run it, it's powerful and you can ride it.". The Jaguar E Type Series 3 is the perfect car to buy if you are going to start a car hobby.


Shinichi Yamazaki’s Highlights!

First of all, this car is not a vintage car that has been overprotected from a new car. The appearance is original, but it has been refreshed and customized by two masters in the Kansai retailing industry, and the essence of a collectible car is not lost, and it is finished in a casual but slightly different adult E type.

The 1973 model was designed by Yoshimitsu Nakayama of Jean Wang Nakayama, one of the best restorer in the Kansai region. It is said that about 10 years have passed since it was constructed, but the brightness does not make you feel the years. The body color looks like normal silver at first glance, but the rough metallic flake is blended to create a high-contrast, glittering texture. The colors have been carefully selected many times to enhance the simple and flowing beauty of the E type. I checked the details, but the exterior was damaged by stepping-stones on the front, so it can be said that it was mint condition to some extent.

As for the interior, the plastic of the dashboard, switches, and meters, the color and gloss are good, and there is almost no feeling of use. There are a few small scratches and frays, but the sheet is firm and there is almost no sagging or dullness. The whole emblem was well finished. The steering is equipped with a wood Nardi. A certification plate with a restored J-Wang Nakayama was attached to the passenger side bulkhead.

The engine was pioneered by a Japanese jaguar mechanic and was overhauled by K, one of the best craftsmen in Jaguar Japan. The V 12 engine has no weight since the start of cranking, and when it is blipped, it turns as lightly as a direct 6 with a small displacement. Just by putting your foot lightly on the accelerator pedal, you can feel that there is less friction inside the engine which reacts. Even in the engine room, the layout was beautifully laid out up to a single wire, and I felt that not only the accuracy of incorporation but also the smooth finish were filled with the craftsman's passion.

Another topic with this car is its participation in the 2018 Classic Car Rally "Vecchio Bambino" in Okayama Prefecture, which was driven by singer Junichi Inagaki, a well-known collector car enthusiast. For Inagaki fans, this is an irresistible device, but it is also worth noting the excellent finish of the engine that completed the long-distance rally without any trouble. It is a special E type with an engine with a subtle but original color and superb feel. It's a great option for those who want to subtly differentiate themselves from other owners.

Vehicle Specifications

Model Year1973
Year of PurchaseSep 1986
Engine Capacity948cc
Mileage22,314km
Transmission3AT
Steering WheelLeft
ColorSilver
Chassis No.UEIS23985BW
Engine No.
InspectionJanuary 2021
AreaOsaka, Japan