2001 Jaguar S-type 3.0 V6

Highlights

 • In single-family ownership for the majority of its life
 • Large paperwork file includes comprehensive service history
 • Exceptionally original condition with genuine low mileage

The Appeal

The appeal of Jaguars has always lain in their ability to seamlessly combine tradition with modernity, and scarcely could that be more apparent than in the S-type of 1999-2007. While obviously heavily influenced by the classic S-type of the 1960s, in its engineering the new S-type was very much a Jaguar for the 21st century.
Offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines from a 2½-litre V6 to a 4.2-litre V8, and with the option of manual or automatic gearboxes, the three-litre V6 was probably the best all-rounder. With a 155mph top speed, it was as fast as the speed-restricted V8, but with the advantage that it would return quite respectable fuel economy. And for anyone who travels into London, the best is yet to come – the S-type is fully ULEZ-compliant, and there aren’t many 20-year-old V6-engined luxury cars which can say the same.
Now that the S-type is recognised as an emerging classic, it would make sense to buy the best one, and this could well be that car. It’s a genuine low mileage example which has been cherished its whole life and, we are assured, “drives like new”. If you’re looking to buy an S-type, make it this one.

The History and Paperwork

 • Purchased new from Riders Jaguar of Falmouth & Plymouth by a Jaguar enthusiast trading in his cream XJ6
 • As it was to be a golden wedding anniversary present to himself and his wife, he ordered it in Topaz Metallic
 • Service record suggests that, when new, it was taken to Miami and later used in Düsseldorf
 • When the first owner passed away, it was inherited by his son, who repainted it in its original colour and retained it until very recently
 • The previous owner purchased it only as a stop-gap as the delivery of his new car had been delayed, and he sold it to the vendor in December 2021
 • With some regret, it is for sale again as the vendor is starting a family and must downsize his car collection
 • As well as the current V5, the paperwork file includes an extensive collection of invoices, a record of MoTs, past tax discs and all the original owner’s literature, including a detailed service history

The Interior

 • In highly original condition and brilliantly preserved
 • Lots of luxury options, including Sport seats, with everything fully functional
 • Still retains its original, dealer-supplied accessories
To step inside any Jaguar is to enter a world of refinement and luxury and this S-type is no exception, but what is exceptional about this car is that it should present so well at 21 years old. Having been cared for so well over the course of its life and only used sparingly, the fact is that it remains very much like new.
The Cashmere leather upholstery is exceptional. The front seats sport only some very light creases as the leather has matured with use, while the rear seats look like they’ve barely been sat on. The original carpets are exceptionally clean and the headlining appears to be in equally good condition.
The presentation of the doors and fascia is stunning. Both are virtually immaculate, with only a few very light marks evident in places. A Jaguar interior without a liberal application of burr wood trim would be unthinkable, and the trim in this car still has a high shine and enhances it beautifully.
Apart from the various power fittings, another luxury touch is the Sport seats, which were an expensive option when new. The vendor specifically sought a car with Sport seats, which he describes as “significantly more comfortable” and “armchair-like”. The Jaguar also retains its original radio-cassette player, which is quite a rare period item now that many have been exchanged for more modern units.
Perhaps the greatest surprise of all is to be found inside the boot. Not only is it also in great condition with excellent carpets, but it contains a number of original dealer-supplied items which we doubt you’d find with any other 20-year-old car. While the Jaguar first-aid kit is not quite so unusual, this S-type still has its original bottle of Jaguar-branded screen wash, along with a bottle of Castrol GTX oil and unopened packs of Castrol hand wipes. If ever a car embodied time-warp condition, this must be it.

The Exterior

 • Close to showroom condition having been garaged all its life
 • Repainted once in its original colour
 • Alloy wheels in exceptionally good order
 • Fitted with optional power sunroof
Resplendent in its understated and elegant Topaz Metallic paint, a shade somewhat reminiscent of the 1960s colour Golden Sand, this S-type would make a welcome sight in anyone’s garage. Without using too many words, it is one of the best we’ve seen. All its owners have safely garaged it so it hasn’t really had any chance to deteriorate, and it could almost be taken for a brand-new car.
Even with such low mileage, a car this good is unusual. While we can’t guarantee that it hasn’t picked up the odd small stone chip over the course of its travels, the photographs speak for themselves and it really is not easy to identify any cosmetic faults. Apart from a repaint in the original Topaz, the only other work we are aware of is the replacement of the door locks a few years ago.
Alloy wheels can give a good indication of a car’s general condition because they’re often the first thing to show their age after they’ve been scraped against a kerb once or twice. These wheels, however, are almost flawless. We would encourage you to have a close look at them and see if you can find so much as a single scuff. While there are a few very superficial surface marks in places, they are probably as close as any alloy wheels get to perfection, and they are testament to the fact that this car has only ever been driven very carefully across the course of its life.
The brightwork and glass is all in excellent condition, too, and bidders will be pleased to note that this example is equipped with the optional power sunroof – just what you need with summer on its way.

The Mechanics

 • Automatic gearbox
 • Suspension arms and bushes renewed in 2018 along with ignition coil
 • Impressive MoT record with the current MoT valid until 28th June 2022
 • Always serviced and maintained as necessary
Everything looks very good under the bonnet of this Jaguar, where the potent three-litre V6 fills most of the available space and has been kept highly presentable. It’s out on the open road, though, that it becomes apparent that this car is more than just very good – it’s unreservedly excellent.
Having only covered a shade over 36,000 miles, the S-type has hardly been subjected to any wear and tear, and besides regular servicing and replacement of the usual consumables like tyres and wiper blades, it has scarcely required any attention. It received some work in 2018, when the suspension arms and bushes were replaced and a new ignition coil was installed, but beyond that it is all well-preserved and original.
Its MoT record is almost unblemished, having passed its test every year from 2006 onwards and with no advisory points identified since 2015, except in 2018 when the car was not tested. It is evident that this is a car that can be used and relied upon as and when you need it, and it should be a pleasure to drive.
The vendor tell us, “It drives as well as a brand-new one with no rattles or knocks,” and we certainly don’t doubt it.



The Summary

Having been launched over 20 years ago, the S-type’s combination of 1960s-inspired styling and capable modern engineering have ensured that it is coming to be appreciated as a bona fide modern classic. Some S-type owners were wise enough to lavish care on their cars from the moment they left the showroom, and this example shows just how good they look when they’ve been constantly cherished.
Internally, externally and mechanically, there can’t be many S-types around which will match this one. It’s a well-specified and highly original example and, apart from being a car which you really can use and enjoy, it also has great investment potential.

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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.

As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 2001
  • Make Jaguar
  • Model S Type 3.0 V6
  • Colour Topaz Beige
  • Odometer 36,303 Miles
  • Engine size 2967
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location Sussex
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
10 bids from 5 bidders
  • Gr•••• £4,100 30/05/22
  • da•••• £4,000 27/05/22
  • be•••• £3,750 27/05/22
  • Jo•••• £3,600 27/05/22
  • da•••• £3,500 25/05/22
  • do•••• £2,500 24/05/22
  • da•••• £2,000 24/05/22
  • do•••• £1,250 24/05/22
  • da•••• £1,000 24/05/22
  • da•••• £200 23/05/22
Message C&C Auction Team

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