・Useable and stylish Jaguar 

・Switch easily between petrol and LPG system

・Use as is or a worthy candidate for restoration

After launching the larger MKX in 1961, Jaguar was concerned that the Mk 2 was becoming technically outdated and consequently they may be losing sales.  They created a more sophisticated and luxurious version -the S Type.  It was available with either 3.4 or 3.8-litre versions of the XK engine and sold well from 1963 to 1968. At first quite similar in size and looks to the Mk2 there were plenty of styling changes and technical upgrades.  The new car had longer rear bodywork and an extended roofline, giving rise to a larger boot and more rear seat headroom.  The bumpers were thinner and the roofline was lower, also lower rear wheel arches replaced the Mk2’s spats to give it a more streamlined look.  Under the revised body Jaguars new independent rear suspension replaced the Mk2’s live axle.  The asthmatic heating of the Mk2 was updated with a new heating and ventilation system and the cabin was upgraded with more walnut veneer and wider, more comfortable seats.

Little is known about the history of this S Type.  Purchased by the Vendor in 2019 from an Estate sale unfortunately the history file was lost.  Since then he has used the Jaguar as a fun weekend car whilst keeping up with regular maintenance.  First registered in the final year of S Type production, and only just over 900 were made, so it’s quite a rare car.

Prior to the Vendor purchasing the Jaguar an LPG fuel system was fitted by a previous owner so it can run on either petrol or cheaper LPG and there are instructions on how to operate the system in the paperwork.  Looking at the MOT history we can see that it covered 88,000 miles in 2006, 99,000 in 2011 and now has just “gone round the clock” showing  4836 miles.   Having lost his covered storage he has decided to sell so a new owner can restore the S Type to its former glory.

As the paperwork was lost the file is rather thin.  Soon after purchase in 2019 it was treated to a good service by a local garage with a bill on file for £543. A V5C in the Vendors name and a couple of bills for service work and a carpet set are all there is. 

In most respects the interior is mainly original.  The seats are nicely patinated, especially the driver’s seat.  The owner has partially restored the front passenger seat, but stopped when he thought the colour didn’t match the original.   The woodwork and dash is showing some age but is perfectly acceptable.  Other areas, like the door cards could do with a clean, but are tidy and mostly unmarked.  The roof lining looks like new, although is probably original to the car.

There is a lovely new set of Champagne carpets still boxed that will come with the car, which cost £282. Still in a box is the radio which was sent away to be reconditioned, but the Vendor has not got round to re- installing it.  In the boot all seems to be original and tidy with no signs or leaks damp.  The spare wheel is present, together with the jack.  There is also the original toolkit which is mostly complete with only a couple of bits missing – quite unusual to find an original these days!

Being largely original the paintwork is showing some age, with areas that would benefit from some attention.  As you can see from the photographs the grey metallic paint compliments the lines of the S Type beautifully.   Upon closer inspection though there are plenty of areas that require work, and as the Vendor says it would benefit from a full respray.  That said the chrome, trim and brightwork is in good condition and looks to be all original.  The same can be said about the bumpers which only show minor corrosion.  The glass all round is all clear and shows no major chips or cracks.  The hubcaps are shiny and undented.

Mechanically the S Type seems to be in fine fettle.  On our drive to the photo location it performed remarkably well with no rattles or clunks.  The auto box operated very smoothly with virtually imperceptible gear changes.  The 3.8 engine always surprises with its torque, and on kick-down the S Type did not disappoint!  There are a couple of photographs taken whilst driving of the gauges showing good oil pressure.  When we were with the car it was running on petrol, but the Vendor assures us that the LPG system operates well and cuts the running cost considerably.  The tank has been thoughtfully installed with plenty of usable boot space remaining.  One of the filler doors provides access to the gas filler, and the old petrol cap and pipe are included with the car.

If you are looking for an S Type which can be enjoyed straight away and improved as you go then this might be the one.  Alternatively if you want one to restore then this is a remarkably original candidate.  Either way the S Type is an underrated and increasingly rare car, and this one really deserves some attention.

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