Jaguar S-Type 3.4 Manual Overdrive

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After launching its raffish MkX in 1962, Jaguar then set about preparing a model that would sit somewhere between this sybaritic juggernaut and the racier MkII. The result was the S-Type of 1963. 

Aimed at Jaguar drivers looking for slightly more sophistication than the Mk II could offer, the S-Type used 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 similar independent suspension which gave much superior ride and handling characteristics to the outgoing MkII.

Under the bonnet Jaguar installed the familiar 3.4 and later 3.8-litre XK engines, though only in twin SU HD6 carburettor form. In 3.4-litre form, the engine produced around 189bhp and 215ft lb of torque. This gave a 0-60mph time of around 10 seconds and a top speed of 124mph – not much less than the 3.8-litre version.

This wonderfully original 3.4 example has spent the last 15 years of its 45-year life to date in storage, hence the excellent state of preservation. The black paint is in good condition, while the chromework is described as ‘fair’. Shut lines and panel gaps are narrow and even, just as they left the Browns Lane factory, while the underside also looks to be in very good condition with no signs of any serious welding in the past, according to the vendor.

Since emerging back into the daylight, the car has had some £5,000 spent on recommissioning. With the present owner for the past 20 years, the S-Type retains its original hand book and has a sheaf of bills for past maintenance work.

With power steering, and a manual overdrive gearbox, this Jaguar reportedly drives very well with current tax disc and MOT to September. A rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally original and unmolested example, it is also unusual to find one in black.