Jaguar S-Type 3.4 Automatic

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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 MkII 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: the rear section of the bodywork was restyled to emulate more closely the MkX (although obviously not as big) while at the front it was very similar to the MkII but sharpened up with thinner bumpers and more deeply recessed fog lights. The roofline was also extended to give rear passengers more headroom, and a capacious boot added.

The really big news was the adoption of Jaguar’s superb independent rear suspension (as on the new E-Type and the MkX saloon) which not only gave far superior ride and handling to the old MkII live axle, it also offered a wider track for increased interior space. Burman power steering was now fitted as standard (but higher geared than in the MkII to reduce the lock-to-lock from 4.3 turns to 3.5) while a Powr-Lok limited slip diff was an option.

The cabin was also more luxurious with wider and more adjustable front seats, Belgian walnut veneer dash and door trimmings with a pull-out picnic tray below the centre instruments, more efficient heating and ventilation, extra arm rests and ash trays plus a host of other improvements.

Less raw-edged than the sporting MkII, even in 210bhp 3.4 automatic guise the S-Type provided sparkling performance and could hit 60mph in just 10 seconds with a top speed of 118mph. It was also quicker cross country than the MkII thanks to its superior handling. Production ceased in 1968 when the astonishing XJ6 arrived by which time almost 25,000 S-Types had been sold, a third of them 3.4 models, although only 668 are still UK registered today compared to 855 MkIIs.

As the original green log book confirms, this 3.4 Automatic was first registered to a Ms Angelia Garnett of Marlborough in June 1965 and has been in the current ownership since June 2010. Pleasingly original in most respects with raised letter number plates and a nicely patinated light blue leather interior, it was treated to a bare metal respray in the mid-1990s and still looks smart today with good panel gaps and a sound underside that has recently been waxoiled.

Always kept garaged in the current ownership and used in fine weather only, old MOTs show that it has covered less than 500 miles in the last 8 years, hence the reason for sale. Serviced fairly recently and said to drive well, it certainly performed nicely when we were treated to a short test drive on the occasion of our visit, attracting lots of admiring glances as we prowled the roads of Malvern. It comes with an original owner’s handbook, a factory service manual and a parts catalogue.