1967 Jaguar S-Type Saloon

This manual 3.4-litre S Type Jaguar saloon has been the subject of an ongoing restoration project over a number of years.

The vendor purchased the car recently and has had it recommissioned by independent Jaguar specialists Sportsclassics UK of Sheffield. 

They’ve stated that this has the best and most original undersides of any S Type they’ve seen and pointed out that the jacking points, crows’ feet and chassis drain channels are all solid and in good order.

They also noted that the rear torsion arm plates have been replaced at some point in time and that the job has been done properly, using the right panels and parts. 

Originally gold, the car is now finished in BRG (we think it may first have been repainted in 1997) with a cream leather interior piped in green. 

The recent recommissioning work included a full service (oils, filters and plugs) refurbished brakes all round, including new wheel brake pads, hand-brake pads and ‘Vee’ mounts, new steering column bushes and universal joints, and serviced and tuned carburettors. 

The car presents very well indeed – outside, inside and underneath – and has clearly had some impressive amounts of time, money and expertise lavished upon it over the years.

The car’s mileage was recorded as being 63,869 in 2006. 

Today it is 70,584 miles.

Clearly then, it has been leading a fairly relaxed and sedentary life for the best part of 20 years.

The car’s MoT, with no advisories, is valid until 15.2.25.

We have driven the car and can report that it starts on the button, purrs along with plenty of pep and enthusiasm, and feels very well screwed together and free of any errant pops, squeaks, rattles or groans.

We did notice that the steering felt rather vague and thought that perhaps the power steering needed a shakedown after the steering column rebuild and the drive down to our HQ. The car is also exhibiting a rather sticky throttle at present. 

These are probably the sorts of things that can be rectified with minor adjustments and/or a quick squirt of WD40. But we don’t know – we’re not mechanics.

The bodywork is devoid of any dinks, dents, bangs, crumples, creases, ripples or folds of any significance that we can discern.

The panels are smooth and even, the shut-lines and panel gaps are crisp and consistent.

The driver’s door occasionally decides that it doesn’t want to stay closed and pops open of its own accord.

The wire wheels are beyond reproach, and the matching BF Goodrich tyres look to have plenty of life left in them. 

All of the bright-work is gleaming, shiny and free of any foxing or pitting that we can see.

The BRG paintwork is mostly very good, and there’s plenty of shine and lustre in evidence.

There’s a patch of rather orange-peely paint towards the front edge of the n/s/f passenger door and a small circle of flat paint just ahead of it on the front wing. 

There are a few light scratches and scuffs on top of the o/s/f wing and some rough paint around the base of the windscreen washer jets.

We found a crack in the paint at the base of the lower ‘B’ pillar just above the sill on the nearside.

The lights, lenses, badging and other exterior fixtures and fittings are all very good indeed.

The inside of this fabulous car, you won’t be remotely surprised to learn, is every bit a match for its exterior counterpart and is a case study in tasteful luxury, expert restoration, top-quality materials and classy ambience. 

The cream leather seats, front and back, are untroubled by meaningful creases, let alone any ingrained patina, and are universally supportive and comfortable. 

The door cards are mostly in very fine fettle, although the lining has detached from inside the driver’s door storage pocket.

The headlining is mostly good, too, save for a stain at the front and a section at the rear that’s detaching above the parcel shelf. 

The passenger-side sun visor has a split along the edge on one side, and its driver’s side counterpart has a stain.

The carpets and mats are excellent.

The richly glossy wood veneers have resisted the tendency to crack or de-lacquer with commendable stoicism and are among the best we’ve seen on a car of this vintage.

The Moto-Lita steering wheel, gear lever, instruments, dials and controls all look good to us. 

We didn’t press every button, twiddle every knob or flick every swich, but those we did press, twiddle and flick responded in a timely, predictable and uncomplaining fashion.

As far as we’re aware, everything works as it should. 

The boot looks virtually as good as new.

Some of the rubber trim around the inner door seals is looking rather tired and has perished in places.

The engine and engine bay look sufficiently clean, shiny and dry to get 5 stars on a food hygiene rating, never mind a mechanics report. 

The undersides look to be possessed of plenty of structural integrity and nothing we’ve seen has prompted us to tut or raise an eyebrow.

This car comes with recent bills for recommissioning work, a clear HPI reports, and a valid, current MoT certificate. 

This is a rakishly handsome car and one that is sure to win hearts and minds wherever it goes – including Jaguar owners’ club events, rallies and tours.

All the heavy lifting has been done by other people (so you won’t have to), and the car just needs a couple of post-recommissioning shakedown jobs attending to in order to be the best possible version of itself.

It’s really very impressive indeed.

We are happy to offer this fine vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £18,000 - £25,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, 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, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.