Engine Number Series 3 Roadster RH

[Frederick]

I'm interested in an E-Type Series 3 Roadster RH built in 73. The engine number is mysterious, (photo) what can that mean and what does the X above the engine number mean?

[Ash]

Check the chassis plate attached to the bulkhead below the central bonnet catch. This should have the engine number stamped into it. 7S corresponds to a Series 3 car. The car paperwork should help you and if there is a JDHT Heritage certificate the original engine number will be on it.

[abowie]

I suspect that's original even though it is really poorly done.

The reason I think it's original is that when I bought my XJS the inspectors didn't believe the engine number was original because it was so badly stamped; just like yours.

They were so convinced it was faked that they impounded my car for 2 months and issued a new engine number which I had to put on the engine.

I think the X is a casting, not a stamped part of the number.

So your engine number looks to be 7S12146SB.

The smaller font stampings "88?2" look like they're over the top of the engine number. I have no idea what they are.