1966 Jaguar S-Type 3.8-litre Manual/Overdrive

• The S-Type was a sporting saloon combining the best of the Mk2 and the Mk10
• With it's new independent rear suspension, it comfortably out-handled the Mk2 
• This is one of just 9,717 examples produced in RHD 3.8-litre specification
• With its original owner for almost 30 years, before passing it to his son
• Now showing just 35,317 miles
• Delightfully presented in Regency Red with a classic Jaguar red leather interior
• Lots of original features, whilst befitting from an expert restoration in the 1990s
• A fantastic way into first-time classic car ownership, this high-specification S-Type would be welcome at any classic motoring event

Produced from 1963 to 1968, the Jaguar S-Type was technically a more sophisticated development of the Jaguar Mk2, offering buyers a more luxurious alternative. It was available with either 3.4 or 3.8-litre XK engines and featured longer rear bodywork amongst other styling and interior changes. Despite its extra weight, the S-Type's independent rear suspension allowed it to corner faster than the Mk2, especially on uneven surfaces, providing better traction and a much smoother ride for rear seat passengers with the consensus that the S-Type offered significant improvements over the Mk2 in road holding, safety and ride comfort. It was described as 'a convenient family car, a businessman's express, a sports coupé and a grand tourer.'

The car presented here is a 1966 home market car in right-hand drive, 3.8-litre form, one of just 9,717 such examples and, with the manual/overdrive gearbox, the most desirable S-Type configuration. This matching-numbers car suits its Regency Red paintwork, working well in combination with its wonderfully original red leather interior. One of most well-preserved interiors we’ve seen in a Jaguar saloon of this era, it's a splendid space to occupy, benefiting from newer carpets fitted some time ago.

According to the accompanying Heritage Certificate, it was manufactured on the 14th April 1966, and purchased by a Mr May, who owned it up until 1995, some 29 years, passing it on to his son who kept it until August 2021. It was originally produced in Golden Sand paintwork, but we understand was professionally restored/repainted in the 1990s (all areas of the engine bay and boot were painted well; there is no trace of the former colour). Bought by our vendor just last year, as he was just so taken with the one-family owner condition and sheer integrity of the car. Sadly, during the passing of time, the history file that once accompanied the car was misplaced and lost (the few pieces that remain include an MOT certificate from 1995 describing the car as ‘Maroon’).

During the latter period of Mr May’s original ownership, we understand that the car was taken off the road and stored in a properly prepared garage for many years, being regularly run-up and cared for; its last MOT Certificate in 2003 shows a mileage of 35,129 miles (which is now just 35,400) with the car's overall condition suggesting this mileage is genuine. In the hands of our vendor, the car has been treated to some light recommissioning, and is said to drive and perform as it should. The 1990s restoration has held up very well, mellowing down with now a lovely honest patina in combination with untouched original elements. The paintwork retains a deep shine, whilst the underside is very solid and still retains a decent application of Waxoyl.

Our vendor says the 3.8-litre engine always fires into life with three pumps of the throttle and a push of the starter button, with the automatic choke working well and cutting out once warmed. He goes on: "The car drives really well, it’s quiet and responsive and sounds just right through its stainless exhaust.”

A fantastic way into first-time classic car ownership, this high-specification S-Type would be welcome at any classic motoring event. With Mk2 values now seeing some original examples out of the reach of many an enthusiast, the S-Type offers a more realistic chance of ownership. This extremely low-owner, highly useable ‘60s sports-saloon is worthy of any inspection and should offer many years of driving pleasure.