Lot 028: 1966 JAGUAR S-TYPE 3.4 LITRE

Launched in 1963, the Jaguar S-Type was marketed as more of an 'executive' car than its MKII sibling. Boasting notably superior ride and handling characteristics thanks to the adoption of independent rear suspension (cribbed from the MKX / E-type), it also enjoyed a more spacious interior complete with dashboard-mounted walnut centre console. Visually distinguished by its elongated boot, flatter roofline and hooded headlamps, the model was powered by a choice of 3.4 litre (210bhp) or 3.8 litre (220bhp) DOHC straight-six engines allied to either four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Maintaining the Coventry manufacturer's reputation for speed, luxury and mechanical refinement, the S-Type remained in production until 1968 by which time approximately 25,000 had been sold (10,000 3.4s vs 15,000 3.8s). Finished in dark green with beige leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (chassis, bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres), "good / original" (interior trim), "very good" (electrical equipment) or "overhauled" (3442cc engine, automatic transmission) condition. First registered to Messrs Maskrey - a Cardiff based furnishing company - on April 6th 1966, 'GKG 988D' changed hands several times before being laid-up during 1974 (by which time it is believed but not warranted to have covered some 40,000 miles). Although entering the current ownership many years ago, it was not until 2000 that the Jaguar took to the road again and only then after an extensive restoration. Benefiting from a period Radiomobile set, stainless steel exhaust, battery cut-out switch and electronic ignition, the saloon rides on steel wheels shod with fresh tyres. Showing an unwarranted 41,795 miles on its odometer, this nicely presented S-Type is offered for sale with history file (green logbook, 1973 MOT certificate, post-restoration valuation report etc), MOT certificate valid until May 3rd 2007 and historic class (free) road tax valid until April 30th 2007.