Jaguar S-Type 3.8 Manual Overdrive

In 1963 Jaguar decided to introduce a new variant of its popular MkII model, the luxurious S-Type saloon, aimed at Jaguar drivers looking for slightly more sophistication than the Mk II could offer. The S-Type came with either a 3.4 or 3.8-litre XK engine, with a modified version of the MkII bodyshell with unique front and rear ends added. 

The front had its own distinctive grille, shrouded headlamps and a slim-line bumper. The rear of the S-type looked very similar to the large MkX saloon and had a similar independent suspension design which gave much superior ride and handling characteristics to the outgoing MkII – though at the expense of the latter's raw-edged sporting appeal. In 3.8 guise the S-Type provided sparkling performance and could reach a maximum of 125mph. Production ceased in 1968 when the superlative XJ6 arrived.

First registered in March 1967, this particular S-Type 3.8 has been in the current ownership since 1989 and had just four owners before that. In 1993 the car was treated to a substantial overhaul which included a bodywork restoration and respray in Carmen Red, new chrome, interior retrim in cream leather and a full engine rebuild. A manual overdrive gearbox was also fitted in place of the original auto box.

Since the restoration was completed the car has only covered some 16,000 miles and it is said to run and drive well – it certainly has one of the sweetest sounding 3.8 engines we have ever heard. In 2008 new front brake discs and calipers were fitted while four new tyres were also fitted earlier this year. Unfortunately between 2009 and 2011 the car was left outside when the owner was taken ill and the paintwork has suffered somewhat as a result.

The car comes with a workshop manual, most old tax discs and MOTs back to 1992 and is currently MOTd until October 2012. One to use and enjoy as it is but which could easily be improved with a repaint.