• Range-topping SE model

• “Simply beautiful example”

• Fantastic condition throughout - a credit to its keepers

Introduced in 1999, the Jaguar S-Type aimed to blend the luxurious driving experience Jaguar was renowned for with a more ‘sporting’ style and performance, even going as far as offering an ‘R’ version with a 4.2-litre supercharged V8 engine.

Non-R cars were offered with a mixture of silky-smooth V6 petrol engines, a naturally aspirated V8 and a 2.7-litre V6 diesel, all of which suited the refined nature of the S-Type very well indeed. Transmissions were limited to either a five-speed manual or five-speed ‘J-Gate’ automatic.

Interestingly, despite being approved by road safety bodies, the traditional Jaguar ‘leaping’ hood ornament was only offered as an optional extra, and was removed from the options list in 2003, being replaced by a standard badge incorporated into the front grille.

This particular S-Type is an example of the high-specification range-topping SE model, which has been cared for by only five total owners in its lifetime. 

We say cared for - perhaps ‘cherished’ is a more apt word, as the condition of this example is absolutely astounding throughout, and, as the vendor has put it, it is a “credit to the former keepers” and is entirely original throughout.

The SE models gained plenty of tech, including heated electric seats, air-conditioning and climate control, premium sound system and more, meaning this S-Type is an excellent long-distance cruising companion.

Owned for the last six years by a doctor, the car has been in long-term storage for the last two of those years, and a full service has been carried out prior to being listed for sale, making this S-Type ready for the next owners to simply get in and enjoy.

Included with the car is an impressive service history, the V5 showing 4 former keepers, two keys, numerous old MOT certificates and invoices, a full complement of Jaguar handbooks and manuals, the original tool kit and the jack. 

The spare wheel is also present, but the tyre would benefit from being replaced due to its age. 

Step inside and you’ll find yourself transported back to luxury motoring in the early 2000’s. The cabin of this S-Type is in fantastic shape throughout and you’d be forgiven for thinking it has covered half of its recorded mileage.

The leather seats are all in great condition with only light creases and wear noted to the bases, whilst the upgraded wood veneer trim and inlays are all free of damage, blemishes or heavy wear.

The carpets are generally excellent with some wear noted in the driver’s footwell, whilst the headliner remains taut throughout with no sagging, staining or damage reported.

According to our vendor, there are no faults with any of the gauges or systems within the car, and no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard.

As with the interior, the bodywork and paint on this example are simply superb, and are free from any major dents, blemishes and imperfections. A few stone chips are visible on the front end and exposed edges, but the silver paintwork goes a long way towards hiding these.

The chrome details on the bumpers, grilles and elsewhere on the car all look to be in good order and retain an impressive mirror-like shine, with no noticeable pitting or buffing on the bumpers and only light pitting around the doors. 

From what we’ve seen, all of the light lenses are in good shape and free of damage, but the headlights are fairly clouded and would benefit from a thorough wet sanding and polishing to bring them in line with the rest of the bodywork.

All four wheels are in excellent shape, with no kerbing or major marks that we can see.

According to our vendor, the 3.0-litre V6 engine is in rude health and “sounds great” out on the road, whilst there are no reported faults with the five-speed J-gate gearbox.

The engine bay is in smart condition, and there are no visual signs of any leaks, issues or breakages. No doubt a fastidious owner would likely spend an afternoon or two under the bonnet bringing the appearance in line with the rest of the car, but there are no mechanical issues as it sits and the car is ready to drive and enjoy.

Luxurious, silky-smooth and still able to produce an impressive turn of speed when required, the S-Type has aged fantastically and this example in particular wears its years very well indeed, with its condition hiding its mileage with ease.

Offered in excellent condition throughout, both aesthetically and mechanically, this S-Type would make a fantastic daily driver or weekend GT car for the discerning driver looking for something with a little more class and character than the average day-to-day driver.