DESCRIPTION
Introduced in October 1963, Jaguar’s S-type saloon combined the independent rear suspension derived from the big Mark X with the compact Mark II sports saloon, offering buyers a more luxurious alternative. Although clearly related to the Mark II, the S-type’s bodywork was extensively redesigned, with a different roofline, a more upright rear window and extended tail, plus slimmer Mark X-type bumpers with overriders. Inside the S-type’s cabin was also quite different to the Mark II, featuring a new dash layout and centre console, reclining front seats and a new rear seat, achieving additional rear legroom. Mechanically similar to the Mark II, Jaguar only offered the 3.4 and 3.8 versions of the XK six in the S-type, equipped with the B-type cylinder head and the option of manual, manual with overdrive or automatic transmissions. Improvements made during the S-type’s production run included a better cooling system, radial-ply tyres and – from October 1964, in line with the E-type and Mark X – a 4.2-litre motor and all-synchromesh gearbox. Although the emphasis was more on luxury and less about performance, the S-type was still a brisk car – Motor magazine conducted a road test of a 3.8 overdrive model in 1966, achieving a 0-60pmh time of 10.2 seconds and a top speed of 121 mph, both very respectable figures in the day. The S-type ultimately remained in production beyond the announcement of the 420 in October 1966, albeit in relatively small numbers compared with the regular Mark II. Just 9,717 examples were built with the 3.8-litre engine in right-hand drive guise, along with 8,665 equipped with the smaller 3.4-litre motor, while left-hand drive cars were even rarer. Today, the S-type is one of the more affordable members of the Mark II family, offering a unique blend of style, sophistication and speed.

HISTORY
- Beautifully restored Jaguar S-type
- Extensively upgraded and improved
- Offered well under build cost

Starting with an original Brysons’ delivery S-type equipped with the more powerful 3.8-litre engine, this beautiful Jaguar has been with the current NSW custodian for almost twenty years, undergoing a ground-up restoration carried out by renowned marque specialists All Classic Car Restorations of Brookvale between 2012 and 2015 and presents in fabulous condition today. The body was stripped back to bare metal before being repainted in the period factory colour of Opalescent Silver Blue, the engine rebuilt and a four-speed GM automatic transmission installed for greater reliability. The suspension and brakes were overhauled and the cooling system upgraded, with a larger radiator and auxiliary fan fitted. The interior has been finished to the same impeccable standards, with new Connolly leather throughout, polished walnut timber veneer, headliner and new deep-pile carpets, while electric front seats from an XJ40 have been nicely integrated, along with a Retrosound Bluetooth/USB sound system, power steering and retro-fitted air conditioning, making the car more usable in modern traffic conditions. A period Moto-Lita wood-rim steering wheel and chrome wire wheels complete the package. The car was an outright winner at the Jaguar Driver’s Club Concours d’Etat in 2014 and remains in freshly restored condition today, testimony to the quality of the workmanship and the care lavished on the car by the owner, a long-time club member and enthusiast. Currently registered in NSW until March 2019, the Jaguar comes with an extensive history file, radio manual, spare keys and a Heritage Certificate.

Note: Shannons advise that all potential buyers research all vehicles before purchase to authenticate originality.