We’ve actually seen and been talking a lot lately about older Jaguar sedans. We’ve seen some great discussions about engine swaps, customization and restorations. I have to say, these family haulers actually sound like a lot of fun! I’ve always thought the looks are fantastic, but I didn’t ever give much thought to them. This ’64 S-Type is going to be a big project, but I’m actually rather tempted by it! You can have a closer look at it here on eBay in Kissimmee, Florida where bidding is just over $2k and is without a reserve!
I wouldn’t be too tempted by this particular car if it wasn’t for two things. First, the wonderful 3.8 liter inline six that powers this classy Brit. This engine was Jag’s bread and butter and can trace its lineage back to the very founding of Jaguar! I’m sure there are a few collectors out there that would like to have this car just for the engine, especially if their E-Type project is in need of a new engine.
The second thing I like about this car is the no reserve auction! I’ve seen plenty of these cars in similar condition with asking prices well over $5k. This seller is letting the market decide the price, which is a good things as this car has its problems. The biggest of which is rust! It isn’t an uncommon problem for these cars, but it is something that has to be dealt with and can get costly to fix properly. I see several spots on the frame that make me a bit nervous, but hopefully one of you Jag experts can chime in about what it will take to repair it.
The interior is another sore spot for me, as those wonderful leather seats are damaged beyond repair. It will need all new upholstery, which I’m sure isn’t cheap. Plus, I would be sad to not have the look of aged and worn leather that many of these have acquired over the years. Perhaps you could find a rusted beyond repair example that still has nice seats to donate to this one! Overall, I think this could turn out to be a great project, well as long as bidding doesn’t go crazy that is. But what do you think? Is it worth saving or would you hunt for a nicer example to start out with?
I love S-Types. Dad had one when I was growing up. Love to have one.
This isn’t it.
Josh, you’re right in being scared of the rust, but I’m even more scared of the horrible “repair” work on the sills. Anyone that would do that doesn’t need to be within 50 feet of a Jaguar. Or any other car, for that matter.
Love the essence of this car, and the wire knockoffs are awesome.
What I see when I look at the photos are what remains of a rust-hiding bondo and respray job from long ago….. That has now gone back in the direction of “rust never sleeps”. As frightful as some of the underside rust is, I can confidently speculate that after stripping or dipping, there would be large sections of the body where there is little in the way of solid metal.
Many good points
No doubt an old Jag will make you a cool cat
Hard to beat old school style
As much as we hate to say it some cars are better for parts. The discussion should be what’s the best option. Probably use this as a donner for another s-type, unlikely. As you say this engine platform went from 1946-1987.
Hay how about take the body off add a Morris body and make a rat rod. I know, but we all need a little crazy.
If this old cat landed in the hands of a good metal fabricator for the right price it is very restorable. As for rust I’ve seen a lot worse I’d love to do the work on a car like this as I am a welder fabricator, the body style on these s types is timeless and will still look cool 20 years from now. My vote would be to restore this car. Cheers.
While it doesn’t look too bad 1st off, I bet this car would be a nightmare to restore. You can see what a neat car this once was. And what is it with British cars and no air cleaners ( doesn’t even look like room for any) I suppose raining all the time there, there’s no dust. Doesn’t look cashed, just a lot of work.
I love S types too and have recently acquired one to restore which at first glance of this one was in a much worse state. But but of the joy of restoration is the desire to see old beauties like this come to life again. Good luck
Timeless styling indeed. They’ve come a long way since their beginning as the Swallow Sidecar Company, but even their side cars were beautifully styled.
Ive owned the brother to this car a 1967 420 and just like a house you purchase one with a good foundation…thankfully mine was in excellent condition. These can be pretty pricey to make right if there’s a need to. Interiors are much more expensive than say an MGB so be prepared to shell out the bucks on this one. Good engine tick over should show 20-40 psi. and these engines aren’t too complex to work on…just big and heavy.
If I didn’t have two Porsche projects to restore I’d snatch this one up!
Greetings All,
Not going to say it’s a parts car but there are some things to be concerned about.
Own a MKII which is similar and in my opinion preferable because the rear wheels are easier to access.
While a building is present, there seems to be mold/growth in the interior. Boot appears to have seen moisture, makes me wonder why and how much of the rest of the car has suffered from this.
The rockers have been bodged, by a poor repair. There is that part of the frame pictured.
The thing that really concerns me is the rust at the base of the rear pillar. Have seen many of these with front pillar rust but the majority were RHD, never found out why.
I’d be concerned about the poor sill repair done to both sides of the car. I’d hate to see what’s lurking under that. I have a 65′ S-type and can attest to the amount of work and money that has to go into one of these to get it back together again (I do most of my own work and it still isn’t exactly what I’d call an inexpensive restoration). I wouldn’t call this one too far gone and for the most part it does have just about all its parts which is great because some of the trim and parts are only unique to the S-type so there is a limited supply of used parts out there. The fog rangers (smaller lights in the front) and the 4-way light switch are pretty hard to come by as they are unique to the S-type (MKII’s were mounted proud of the body whereas the S-type sets into the body). It would be better if the car was a 4-speed with overdrive but the auto is pretty reliable. Unlike the MKII which has a solid rear axle the S-type has an IRS (just like the E-type) which gave it a much smoother ride. Currently the bidding is at $2,086 (28 bidders) which is a bit over what I think its worth going by how much work it will need. I see this more as a $1,000; maybe $1,500 if you really, really wanted it. You can find a decent driver for a bit more. Oh, and as far as using the engine for an E-type you’d only really use the block as the heads and carbs were different between the two (and oil pans).
Oh, one small point. Looking at the car number I’m thinking that this is actually a 65′, not a 64′.
How many more restorable examples can there be left, that in my mind is what makes this restoreable.
Greetings All,
How many left should not be the only criteria.
Lots of VW Beetles, can a comprehensive restoration be done for an amount you can possibly recover?
Labor of love restorations are fine as long as you remember the reason you started.
Lots of these left, not a lot of value, especially if it’s a driver, but they are fun cars.
Hi
I bought this car a year ago and almost finished. For me is more about the time not work. It wasn’t so bad normal for a car of this year. The car was stripped apart dan welding new paint new interior from leather. It’s a time to put it together and go on the road.
:)
How cool, Rafal! Be sure and share another picture and a drive report once it’s finished!