1966 Jaguar S-Type

This S Type’s current owner bought the Jaguar from a friend of his, who inherited the car five years ago. The car has been completely repainted, and the engine and gearbox were rebuilt in 2002. This is a 3.4-litre car – S Types were also available with a 3.8 litre version of Jaguar’s iconic straight six twin overhead cam XK engines, a powerplant that made the marque victorious at the Le Mans 24 Hour Race on numerous occasions. S Types could be specced with manual or automatic gearboxes, and this one has the latter.

From the front, the S Type boasts a captivating presence, characterised by its signature quad-headlamp arrangement, surrounded by sleek chrome bezels – a look that Jaguar themselves echoed when the model was revived in 1999. The iconic Jaguar emblem takes centre stage on the sculpted grille. Moving along the graceful curves of its body, the S Type's elongated bonnet flows seamlessly into the rounded, sweeping roofline, embodying a sense of aerodynamic prowess. The gently arched wings house chrome wire wheels that hark back to the days of the racing D Type Jaguar. A defining feature of the S Type is its refined waistline that runs parallel to the ground, lending an air of poise and grace. The flowing lines culminate at the rear, where the car exhibits a gentle tapering, creating an aura of dynamic motion even when stationary. The rear view is equally captivating, with iconic round taillights accentuating the car's distinctive character. The subtle chrome touches around the rear bumper and exhaust outlets add an understated touch of luxury. The exterior lines of the S Type are a captivating symphony of classic British design elements, evoking a timeless and refined charm that has left an indelible mark on automotive history, and which can still be seen in Jaguar cars to this day. Overall the gold finish on this car looks very nice, but we’ll walk around it and point out any flaws. There’s a rusty mark just below the famous Jaguar grille which will need looking at, and another area towards the end of the front valance just below the bumper on the driver’s side. Further up on the off side front wing there is the base of a radio aerial. On the same side just below the windscreen rubber is a paint defect that has bubbled, and the rubber itself looks like it’s due for retirement. Just to the left of the numberplate on the boot lid an area of paint has flaked away, and on the very lower portion of the nearside front wing it looks as though some stone chipping has occurred. The door rubber on the offside rear door doesn’t appear to be seating correctly and is visible at the front of the door when it’s shut. On the plus side, all the brightwork is in good shape, with bumpers, light trims, door handles and the chrome wire wheels in particular all presenting very well.

This is an elegant cabin that exudes timeless luxury and refinement. As you step inside, you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of sophistication and traditional British craftsmanship. The interior is a seamless blend of classic design elements and, for 1966, cutting edge comfort and refinement. Sumptuous leather adorns the seats, door panels, and dashboard. The seats are ergonomically designed, ensuring optimum comfort on long drives while providing excellent support for spirited sprints. The attention to detail is evident in every corner, with fine wood veneers elegantly lining the dashboard and centre console. Polished chrome accents adorn the switches, dials, and door handles, catching the light and adding a touch of glamour to the interior. The driver-centric layout enhances the driving experience, with the instrument cluster featuring clear and stylish gauges, providing vital information at a glance. The iconic Jaguar steering wheel sits comfortably in the hands, offering precise control and a tactile connection to the road. The Jaguar S Type is a harmonious symphony of luxury, style, and performance, a space where time seems to stand still, encapsulating the essence of a golden era of motoring. Original is the word that sums up the cabin of this example. It doesn’t look as though it’s ever been restored, and while that means it’s no concours contestant, it also brings a lovely sense of history, with the feel of an interior that’s seen a lot of people come and go over the last 57 years. The red leather seats have the feel of an antique chesterfield sofa that’s been a members’ favourite perch in a gentlemen’s club for many years, while the woodwork has lost some of its sheen during the same period. At the very least the seats need a good dose of hide food to soften them up. One of the door mounted armrests has a split in it but the door cards and other trim panels are generally in good shape, as are the matching red carpets.

It doesn’t look as though the engine bay was repainted when the exterior was, and the area looks original and unmolested, much like the interior. It’s quite scruffy but looks to be complete, with the correct air cleaner assembly still in place. The owner tells us the engine itself was rebuilt in 2002 and it starts and idles nicely, with no odd rattles or smoke from the exhaust. At the same time the automatic transmission unit was rebuilt at a cost of £1040.

A previous owner obviously kept very good records and the car comes with a sheet detailing expenditure between 1998 and 2015, amounting to nearly £13,000. The car also comes with its original spec handbooks, and some old MoT certificates and historic tax discs. A Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate accompanies the S Type, confirming that it was built in March 1966. The owner says: ‘The Jaguar has had a lot of money spent on it over the years. The engine and gearbox are matching numbers and were fully rebuilt in 2002. It was a show car but now needs some updating to be a show car again. I’ve just had an MoT completed and new track rod ends were fitted. The car runs and drives very well.’

If you’re looking for a classic Jaguar that you can jump in and drive then this is a good contestant. It’s mechanical condition appears to be very sound with a fresh MoT certificate and the historic engine and gearbox rebuilds backing this up. Its cosmetic condition makes it a perfectly useable car as it stands. On the other hand, it would also make a very god basis for a someone looking to restore an S Type to tip top condition.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Alton. 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’.