1968 Jaguar S-Type 3.4 M/OD

17 Bids Winner - jonathanjw
8:32 PM, 25 Jul 2023Vehicle sold
Sold for

£15,900

(inc. Buyer’s Premium)
Winner - jonathanjw

Background

Produced from 1963 until 1968, the S-Type was essentially a cross between the popular Mark 2 and the larger Mark X, filling a supposed gap between the two models. The front end and main body is pretty much all Mark 2 with restyled headlamps and the choice of a 3.4 or 3.8-litre twin-carb straight six XK engine delivering power through a 4-speed manual (with or without overdrive) or a 3-speed automatic.

The Mark 2 roof shape was flattened and extended slightly to give a little more rear headroom and to balance the Mark X-like long sweeping tail end - which also featured the independent rear suspension from the car’s big sibling. The interior finish is closer to the Mark X with a feeling of greater “grace and space” than the Mark 2. Whether the blend of the rounded front of a Mark 2 with the straighter rear lines of a Mark X works or not is open to question but the Jaguar S-Type sold in greater numbers when first on the market alongside the Mark 2. Fifty years on and thanks in no small part to the likes of Inspector Morse and the sixties “cops and robbers” reputation of the racier Mark 2, the S-Type is now greatly overlooked and under-appreciated - even if it was the go-to getaway car in The Sweeney.

  • P1B9175DN
  • 21945
  • 3400
  • manual
  • Indigo Blue
  • Cream
  • Right-hand drive
  • Petrol

Vehicle location
Bonhams|Cars Online HQ, United Kingdom

Background

Produced from 1963 until 1968, the S-Type was essentially a cross between the popular Mark 2 and the larger Mark X, filling a supposed gap between the two models. The front end and main body is pretty much all Mark 2 with restyled headlamps and the choice of a 3.4 or 3.8-litre twin-carb straight six XK engine delivering power through a 4-speed manual (with or without overdrive) or a 3-speed automatic.

The Mark 2 roof shape was flattened and extended slightly to give a little more rear headroom and to balance the Mark X-like long sweeping tail end - which also featured the independent rear suspension from the car’s big sibling. The interior finish is closer to the Mark X with a feeling of greater “grace and space” than the Mark 2. Whether the blend of the rounded front of a Mark 2 with the straighter rear lines of a Mark X works or not is open to question but the Jaguar S-Type sold in greater numbers when first on the market alongside the Mark 2. Fifty years on and thanks in no small part to the likes of Inspector Morse and the sixties “cops and robbers” reputation of the racier Mark 2, the S-Type is now greatly overlooked and under-appreciated - even if it was the go-to getaway car in The Sweeney.

Video

Overview

This S-Type pairs its indigo blue body with a cream leather interior. The vendor bought the car in auction two years ago as he previously ran a classic car hire business. Unsurprisingly, this S-Type was very popular for occasional hire, predominantly for weddings. Servicing was handled by a local garage, but the vendor explains that he hasn’t had to do an awful lot to the car in the time he’s owned it. The only issue he addressed was an oil leak due to a faulty seal. Further to that, some work has been carried out to the engine bay. The interior is original and the vendor is not aware of any modifications being carried out. In the words of the vendor: “It drives very well and the electrics are good. All the professional drivers loved taking this car out because it’s such a smooth drive. There are no issues with the electrics or the handling”. The car is being sold because it is not going to get driven so it may as well go to a home that can give it the road time it deserves. His final remark is: “It’s a good solid car and the S-Type is great because it has a bigger boot and more leg room than a mk2”.

Exterior

The indigo paintwork and chrome work on this example is in lovely order throughout, with no obvious stone chips or blemishes. The S-Type features a classic four-door body characterised by its elongated profile and gently sloping roofline. The front fascia of the S-Type showcases a bold and distinctive chrome grille, adorned with the iconic Jaguar emblem, which is flanked by quad circular headlights. It features chrome-plated front and rear bumpers and it sits on lovely chrome spoked wheels. At the rear, the S-Type features elegant, vertically stacked taillights. The S-Type has a timeless design that combines luxury and elegance in a distinctively British manner.

Interior

The cabin is a feast of cream leather, wood veneer and chrome accents – a combination that is testament to the craftsmanship and luxury associated with British motors of this era. The cabin offers comfortable seating for up to five passengers thanks to the bench seat in the back. The driver’s seat has a light patina, commensurate with the car’s age. The dashboard is designed with a combination of wood veneer and chrome accents, housing a range of analogue gauges, including a speedometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge displayed in circular dials, along with a suite of switches. The two-spoked steering wheel features a classic Jaguar emblem at the centre. The centre console positioned between the front seats hosts the gear stick. The cabin comes with ample storage compartments, including glove compartments and door pockets, and there is a drop-down armrest between the driver and front passenger seat.

Mechanical

The "M/OD" in the model name indicates that the car features overdrive, which is an additional gear that allows the engine to operate at lower RPMs during motorway driving. This helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce engine strain, making the car more economical and comfortable for long-distance journeys. The engine is a six-cylinder unit arranged in an inline configuration, offering smooth power delivery and efficient performance. It produces around 210-220 horsepower, providing sufficient power for smooth acceleration and confident motorway cruising, as it can shift from 0–60 mph in 13.9 seconds and can reach a maximum speed of 115 mph. The engine produces a distinct and satisfying sound, as one would expect from a 60s British classic. Everything looks to be dry and in its right and proper place under the bonnet.

History

This car was first registered on 14th March 1968. It comes with an intermittent MoT record, with record of nine MoTs taking place since 2006. It does not have an active MoT, with the last one being carried out in December 2017 when it had just 18,763 miles on the clock.

Summary

Discerning Jaguar saloon fans will choose an S-type over any other mid-’60s model, with good reason. A well-maintained example like the one we have here promises to be a delight to drive, with supple suspension, great performance and a peerless interior. It’s a potent luxury saloon that can be hustled along quickly (albeit with a fair amount of body roll) if the mood takes you, but the S-type will nonetheless be quiet, comfortable and quick, delivering Grace, Space and Pace, as the Jaguar advert declared. We think a prospective buyer will need to part with somewhere between £14,000 and £18,000 to take this car home, so no doubt this is a lot of car for the money!

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’

About this auction

Seller

Private: lordcrossway


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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