Highlights
- A fine example having just arrived from the dry, benign climate of South Africa
- In a highly original and finely presented condition with an exquisite interior
- Complete with its Nova import certificate and ready for UK registration
The Appeal
The S-Type appeared in 1963 as a major redevelopment of the Mark II. This was a move effectively prompted by the launch of the Mark X (Mark Ten) saloon that was launched a mere two years earlier. The Mark X heralded the first outing for Jaguar’s new independent rear suspension together with a triple carburettor version of the 3.8 XK engine. Sir William Lyons wanted the aging Mark II to benefit from these refinements too and so the S-Type was born.
This is a fascinating example of the breed having been originally supplied new in South Africa in 1967. It presents beautifully in gleaming Old English White paintwork and a with a sublime tan leather interior. The car starts and runs very well and, despite its age, delivers a comfortable and refined driving experience.
The History and Paperwork
- A right-hand drive car supplied new in South Africa in 1967
- Retained and enjoyed by its maiden owner for a full 43 years
- During its first ownership it is understood to have been restored and repainted
- The car changed hands for just the second time in 2010
- The S-Type has just been imported from South Africa and is ready for UK registration
- Just prior to its import the car benefited from a schedule of mechanical maintenance
- The paperwork includes the full South African export certificate
- The UK Nova certificate will be on hand at the point of sale making for easy UK registration
- Some servicing invoices are included from various points in the car’s history
- Once registered in the UK by the new owner the car will qualify as a historic vehicle and hence MOT and VED exempt
The Interior
- It is not known if the interior has been restored but it presents beautifully
- The seats and door cards are finished in pristine, soft textured leather in a tan hue
- The wide front seats fill the width of the car to provide a bench effect
- These are widely bolstered with box pleated centre panels and twin fold down arm rests
- The rear bench is similarly finished and in an equally pristine state
- A large central armrest dissects the rear bench
- The seats are well padded, very commodious, and extremely comfortable
- The door cards are finished in matching leather and capped with dark wood veneer
- Chromed door furniture adorns the door cards including obligatory 1960’s ashtrays in the rear
- Both carpets and headlining are finished in complimentary tan and in a fine condition
- The dashboard is finished in a varnished dark wood veneer
- A leather bound and carpeted storage shelf is situated under the dash
- The dashboard is peppered with white on black Smiths gauges and dials
- A number of toggle switches and buttons take care of other functions
- The huge boot is carpeted in black
- A full-sized wire spare wheel is housed under the boot floor
The Exterior
- The S-Type is finished in an Old English White colourway
- Seemingly professionally repainted at some point in its history
- The paintwork is admirably thick and exhibits a lustrous shine
- There are a couple of areas of minor damage or imperfection to the paint – all pictured
- The chrome of the door furniture, grill and bumpers is in a fine and shiny condition
- There are a couple of minor areas of imperfection to the front bumper – both pictured
- The leaping cat bonnet emblem is as bright and shiny as it is iconic
- Cabin glass and light lenses all appear original and in excellent condition
- The car sits squarely on chromed wire wheels
- These are affixed with Jaguar embossed central spinners
- The wheels are shod with a matching set of Mabor radial type tyres in a 185 size
- These tyres are of an unknown age with some perishing of the sidewalls in evidence
- The overall impression of this S-Type is very positive indeed
The Mechanics
- The S-Type is fitted with the erstwhile 3.8 litre straight six XK engine
- In the S-Type this potent unit breathes through twin SU carburettors
- In this configuration the output was originally rated at 220 bhp and 240 Ib-ft
- Power is fed to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission
- This made the car good for over 115 mph with a 0-60 mph time of around 10 seconds
- Prior to import this car benefitted from a schedule of mechanical maintenance
- This work included:
- Gearbox oil and filter replaced
- Engine oil and filter change
- New HT leads, plugs, caps, coil, distributor cap, points, and condenser
- New fuel filters
- Full carburettor service and balance
- New battery, oil pressure sensor and brake light switch
- Front and rear brake refurbishment
- During our visit we witnessed the car starting, running, driving, and stopping very effectively
- The seller reports that the front shock absorbers may need replacing
- Likewise, the front tyres with a professional check of the rears recommended
Summary
The Jaguar S-Type is so evocative of days gone by and, as a result, turns many a head and raises many smiles as it glides by. It’s a fine-looking car that appears to be in an excellent overall condition when considering its 55-year history. The colourway suits the car thoroughly and the interior is a period-correct delight with the combination of tan leather and dark wood veneer creating a relaxing and comfortable environment.
There are some minor areas requiring attention to further improve this fine car but that work will likely be rewarded with a rapidly appreciating motoring asset that can be used and enjoyed by its first UK owner.
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