The E-type Series 3 models came out in 1971 introducing the first new Jaguar engine since the XK in 1948. An advanced V12 engine of 5.3 litre capacity, all aluminium with two overhead camshafts, this was a tour de force of engineering supremacy and refinement, upstaging all sports car competition. To accommodate the larger engine the body shell was re-designed with revised frames, uprated suspension, brakes and wider wings to accommodate the wider wheels and tyres needed. The bonnet mouth was also enlarged again, now fitted with a chromed grille.

Launched as the long wheelbase 2 + 2 fixed head coupe, the roadster model also took advantage of the longer wheelbase, but still as a two-seater. The former went out of production in 1973 while the roadster soldiered on until 1974 when E-type production finally finished.