1965 Jaguar S-Type 3.8 Automatic
Highlights
- Older restoration in well preserved condition
- Bodywork and interior highly presentable
- Solid, easy mechanical project for enthusiast
- Just three owners from new
- Factory correct cream over red colour combination
- Heritage Certificate confirms specification and matching numbers
The Appeal
The Jaguar XJ saloon evolved from plans for a four door E-Type and it retains elements of that car in its rear end styling. But there already was a four door E-Type and there was a clue in its name: S-Type.
The S-Type was conceived as an update of the Mk2 that borrowed styling elements from the bigger Mk X saloon. Underneath it had the sophisticated rear suspension from the E-Type and the option of that car’s punchy 3.8litre engine.
The Mk2’s continuing sales performance cast a shadow over the S-Type, which never quite achieved the success it deserved. It did find a healthy afterlife amongst the criminal underground who valued its combination of E-Type handling and power with space for four colleagues and a bootful of swag.
This 1965 S-Type 3.8 is an older restoration with few miles since. It remains in highly presentable, factory-correct condition – the interior is particularly delightful – and is structurally solid. There are some light jobs to resolve, but once done this looks like an interesting project with a great classic saloon to enjoy at the end of it.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 9th March 1965
- Just three owners from new
- Heritage Certificate dated 12th May 2014 confirms matching numbers and factory correct colour scheme
- This car was factory supplied with the Borg Warner (chassis code BW) gearbox
- Bought by the sellers four years ago who include a highly respected Jaguar specialist
- The intention was to complete the minor jobs and take the car to shows
- Both are very knowledgeable on this model and its quirks and key areas to check
- They are only moving it on due to a lack of time and space to complete the required jobs
- Dry stored during the vendors’ tenure
- Good history file, some of which is shown in the photographs
- Lots of spare parts supplied with car and shown in boot in photographs
- Appears to have been restored in 2000 and 2001 with significant expenditure on new panels
- The engine was overhauled at the same time
- Further restoration work in 2014
- The displayed mileage is believed by the vendors to be correct
The Condition
- Attractive cream or Old English White paintwork with contrasting red interior
- This colour combination is factory correct and verified by Heritage Certificate
- Bodywork presents very well with very good panel fit and no visible corrosion
- Underside continues the theme with suggests of little use since work was completed
- The car appears to have been restored during 2000 and 2001
- The paintwork appears very good with no noticeable deterioration or marks
- Good chromework with bright finish and no tarnishing to report
- White steel wheels with chrome embellishers, body colour centres and chrome hub caps
- Interior is exquisite with very good, supple leathers, excellent veneers and good fittings
- Carpets and door cards in similar condition with no visible deterioration
- Door trims are trimmed to a high standard and factory correct
- Veneers show no deterioration or delamination
- Very original interior right down to the period-correct Motorola radio
- Fitted with the optional ‘speed hold’ system for hill ascent or descent
The S-Type was a clever update of the Mk2 architecture that neatly incorporated the wider rear track of the E-Type rear suspension. Essentially a Mk2 with different front and rear ends, this blend of old and new does mean that the S-Type retains the older car’s gorgeous interior, surely one of the key reasons to buy one of these classic saloons.
As the photographs of this car show, it is a great place to spend time. This car’s red interior suits the style well while the condition enables occupants to experience it much as it surely would have been the day it left the factory in 1965.
Across the body, paint and interior this car is very well presented. Although an older restoration, the work was clearly done to a high standard as the clean panel fit – particularly on the doors – demonstrates. It has been little used since, enabling the inside and outside to retain their virtually ‘just finished’ charm.
The Mechanics
- 3,751cc Jaguar XK engine with twin carburettors
- 3spd Borg Warner automatic gearbox with column shift
- Neatly presented engine bay indicating sparing use
- Engine overhauled in 2001 at cost of nearly £3,000
- We are told that the car starts and runs
- The brakes are not working so will require attention
- Independent rear suspension with parts shared with E-Type
Dropping the 3.8litre XK engine into the Mk2 created one of the first super saloons, a four door with the genuine performance of sports car. The S-Type added handling to match thanks to that E-Type rear end.
This car received an engine overhaul in 2001 – there are invoices for £3,000 in the file – and appears to have been little used since. We are told that the car starts and runs but that the brakes currently do not work so will require attention.
The car has been dry stored during the vendors’ tenure so may require a check over and service alongside any brake work.
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1965
- Make Jaguar
- Model S-Type
- Colour White
- Odometer 93,312 Miles
- Engine size 3751
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Charlton
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
The Gallery
Make an offer
This seller is open to offers. Enter the amount you'd like to pay and if your offer is accepted, a member of the team will be in touch.
Under offer
This seller has accepted an offer.
Click the star to watch the listing and keep an eye on it in the favourites section of your account, or search for something similar.