1968 Jaguar S Type – Classified of the Week
January 28, 2020
Few cars are as iconic in the classic car world as those from the Jaguar stable. The ‘go to’ choices are of course the E Type and the Mk2, but what about something else? There was no shortage of cars rolling out of the Jaguar factory back in the day, after all.
A case in point would be the car we’re looking at here, namely the handsome S Type. Thanks to its modern, 1990s successor, the classic S Type often gets overlooked. People think the Mk2 is the only classic Jaguar saloon, and that’s a shame. The S Type of 1963 was actually a more refined, further developed version of the Mk2. It packed more luxury and more refinement, without losing those handsome looks. It was actually sold alongside the Mk2, which not a lot of people realise.
The S Type, which was codenamed ‘Utah Mk3’ in its development stages, was actually meant to be an overall successor to the Mk2. It boasted a mid-scale version of the massive Mark 10’s independent rear suspension with inboard brakes (the Mk2 had a solid, ‘live’ rear axle), it was longer than the Mk2 and was better appointed with even more leather and wood. It was the car to take the Mk2 customer forward. However, the Mk2 customer didn’t want to move forward, they wanted the Mk2. As such, Jaguar kept producing it to satisfy demand, and put the S Type on sale as a standalone model. The Mark 10 became the 420G and all three cars remained in production until the arrival of the XJ6 in ‘68.
Whilst no new engines were developed for the S Type, it was available with two options; the 3.4 straight-six or the 3.8 straight-six, both of which were fitted with twin Weber carbs. It’s that bigger engine in the car we’re looking at here. One of the last, being a ‘68, the stunning white S Type not only has the bigger, more desirable engine, it also has the four-speed manual transmission. Perfect for getting away from bank robberies, then. Not that we’re perpetuating classic Jaguar stereotypes or anything.
Enthusiast owned, this particular S Type has been resprayed, the headlining has been replaced, the woodwork has been reconditioned and the engine has been regularly serviced and kept in good health. It comes with bundles of paperwork, including service history from ‘68 right through to today, which is hugely impressive.
At a mere £14,995, this is an awful lot of car for the money. And it’s a car that demands to be driven, to be used and to be appreciated. The Mk2 is, make no mistake, a wonderful car. But the oft forgotten S Type is a leap ahead in terms of comfort and ride. Buy this and you’ll be very happy indeed.
