Jaguar’s S-Type was one of several sedans offered in the venerated manufacturer’s 1960s line-up. Buyers could choose from among the sporty Mark II, the slightly more staid S, the 420, and the full-luxe Mark X. Of these, the Mark II holds sway in the collector market; the others enjoy niche appreciation at nearly criminally low prices. This Jaguar S-Type’s owner loves his car, but clearly has others vying for his affection. The Jag runs and drives, and has been well-maintained, but still doesn’t get out much. Consequently, it’s for sale here on eBay for $21,500. It’s located in Williamson, Georgia, and Curvette sent us the info so we could tell you why the S-Type is a bargain versus all those other swanky sedans.
The S-Type received the same 3.8-liter twin-cam six-cylinder engine – known for its robust horsepower and torque ratings – found in the Mark II. Same twin SU carburetors. Same Dunlop disc brakes all around. But the steering was improved by reducing the lock-to-lock ratio, and the S was given the now-famous Jaguar independent rear suspension. All good so far, BUT. The S-Type was destined for a niche less sporting and more touring than the Mark II, so it was styled with a longer cabin, longer roofline, and longer trunk – on the same wheelbase. All this helped it accommodate occupants in style, but the weight gain over the Mark II was more than 350 lbs.
Every time I see a Jag interior looking this way – a little the worse for wear – I see dollar signs. Oh, not right away, but they’re there, lurking in the rough wood of the instrument panel and the door caps, the threadbare wool carpets, the worn leather trim. All those items can be held at bay – and maybe the next owner will do nothing more but polish everything and buy new mats, but every problem in an old car stands to get worse over time. That said, Jaguar scaled down the Mark X interior elements and installed them here, giving S-Type buyers a better cabin than the Mark II offered. Ventilation was also improved over the Mark II arrangement. While we’re in here, note that this car has an automatic gearbox and it’s right-hand drive. Two demerits!
The styling left the S-Type with the Mark II’s rounded and sporty frontend mated to a long rear overhang. Despite the awkward lines, the car sold fairly well – no doubt a relief since the Mark X met with little success. Today, reasonably nice driver-quality, LHD S-Types can be had for $20k, while you’ll pay about 50% more for a Mark II. But the S-Type, with its independent rear suspension and improved steering, is capable of handling as well as a stock Mark II, albeit its straight-line performance suffers slightly, thanks to its higher curb weight. For the connoisseur driven by value, a nice S-Type might thoroughly satisfy the ambition to put a Jag in the garage.
Overall its a really nice looking Jaguar. I agree with Michelle, the interior ( I’m guessing is original and if it is has held up fairly well) could use a sprucing up, but it wouldn’t be cheap. But just look at how inviting those leather seats are, they just look comfortable, like you could go on a 200 mile drive without even having to get out and stretch type comfortable. Aside from the early E Types, these sedans are definitely up there too. I also agree about the lack of a stick and would preffer left hand drive. Nice write up Michelle on a classy Jag. Thank you.
Great write up on a nice car however the market today for these is shrinking fast especially for the RHD model. Add the work needed to clean up the interior and you have to be a serious collector looking for this type of vehicle and I just don’t see it in todays up and coming collectors. Still, a nice piece of history.
T-bar auto in a S. Did the factory install those? There’s one also in Australia.