Highlights
- Very low mileage of 31,059 miles
- Japanese import that has spent most of its life on salt-free roads
- Part of private collections since 2018 and stored in heated garages
- Serviced on arrival in the UK and barely used since with oil still ‘golden’
- Current annual inspection valid to November 2026 with no advisories
The Appeal
Dropping the 400bhp supercharged 4.2L V8 beneath the flowing bonnet of its modern S-Type was a fitting reminder that Jaguar singlehandedly invented the 'super saloon' with the car’s inspiration - the Mk2 3.8.
The S-Type R was built in small numbers, and this 2002 car must be amongst the best available. It is a Japanese-market car that spent its life on the nation’s salt-free roads until 2018 when it joined a UK keeper’s large private collection and stored in a heated garage. We’re told that it was serviced on arrival, but never used. The current keeper acquired it in late 2024 and registered it for UK use. He has used it sparingly too and also stored it in a heated garage as part of his own private collection.
The result is a very well-kept car, finished in silver with black leather and Birds Eye Maple veneers, and showing just 31,059 miles. The seller states that the car's Japanese service history supports the low mileage. As you might expect of such a cosseted car, there are none of the usual blemishes you’d associated with a vehicle of this age. Even the headlining, usually a S-Type bugbear, is in good order. The current annual inspection bears this out; it runs to November 2026 with no advisories.
The supercharged S-Type was highly regarded when new and considered to be a serious BMW M5 rival. Here’s a chance to discover what all the fuss was about.
The vendor says:
“I have no service history from the time in Japan, but it is obvious it has been looked after well its whole life. When you dip the oil, it is on the mark, but it is still golden. No advisories on any of the 2 state inspections I have done. Car runs, drives and stops as it should with no known faults. This is a great car with the best engine delivering about 400 hp.
“It is great to drive. Fast, quiet and safe. Excellent handling and superb brakes. A real driver's car. I am only selling because I keep buying cars, and my garage space, although large, isn't unlimited.”
Key Information
- Mileage: 31,050 miles (unverified - no service history documentation available)
- Country of registration: originally Japan, now UK
- Technical inspection status: annual inspection valid until 24 November 2026 with no advisories
- Technical specs: 4,200cc supercharged V8, six-speed automatic
- Paperwork: 4 Oxygen Sensors and Rocker Cover gaskets replaced; two advisory-free MOT certificates on file
- Private registration has now been removed and is now on SW52 SVR
- Japanese service history which vendor states supports the low displayed mileage
The Detail
- Japanese import, brought into the UK in 2018
- Registered with the DVLA in December 2024
- Fully serviced by previous UK keeper upon acquisition in 2018
- Never driven or DVLA-registered during that ownership
- Only driven on dry days under current ownership
- Vendor states exterior is in very good condition
- We are told that the silver paintwork has almost no marks on the paintwork
- Underside described as very clean with only minor surface discolouration
- No structural advisories on MOT
- Factory five-spoke alloys with light kerbing to note
- Fitted with four Michelin Pilot Sport tyres showing minimal wear
- Vendor states the black leather interior is in very good condition
- We are told that inside everything is clean throughout
- Specification includes sunroof, electric seats and Birds Eye Maple veneers
- Electric adjustable and heated seats
- Cruise control
- GPS driven speedometer in MPH on the dash as speedometer is in KMH
- We are told all switches, instruments and audio are in working order
- Vendor describes door cards and wood veneers as being in very good condition
- No sagging in the headlining according to seller
- Oil reported to be on the mark and still golden
- Vendor states the car runs, drives and stops as it should with no known faults
- Private plate shown in photos is not included in sale
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
