Gentleman's Express:
1965 Jaguar 3.8 S-Type

Quite a few sports car makers rely on the images of wild animals as their mascots: Ferrari has the prancing horse, Lamborghini employs the raging bull. Jaguar Ltd. was christened with the name of the irresistible feline, and perhaps no other manufacturer's products are quite so aptly named. A Jaguar is quick and nimble, sounds ferocious, and surprises with dizzying speed, always keeping an elegant composure.

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Jaguar's sporting sedans established quite a reputation in the late 1950s and early 1960s, culminating in the fabulous 3.8-liter S-Type shown here. A sensible, virtual extension of the MKI/MKII line, the S-Type sedan synthesizes the best of both worlds. It's the proverbial 1960s British sports car for the family man. This distinguished-looking, british racing green example would be the preferred motorcar of a successful servant of Her Majesty--like famous spy Johnny English, for example--were he married with children!


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Though in production until 1969, only S-Types built up to 1966 featured the classic MKII-style front end, the Cat's dominant horseshoe radiator grille evoking the great XK120/140/150 sports cars of the 1950s.
The 1965 S-Type presented for auction here, VIN *P1B77331BW*, was acquired by its last owner as a nice, rust free California survivor. In 2000, he went on to invest an amount of $19,000.00 to elevate the Cat to its present day condition; the fruits of his labor of love are abundantly evident.


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Propelled by Jaguar's incredible 3.8 liter engine, the S-Type is transformed into a serious contender. With this dual overhead cam (DOHC), dual carb XK engine below the bonnet, a top speed of over 120mph was advertised by the Coventry men, with five occupants aboard.
Yeah, baby!
According to the car's former owner, retired Jaguar repair shop owner Angelo of Angelo's on Fairfax fame, the car's matching numbers engine was completely rebuilt in 2000, with just a few test miles since. All hoses, belts, and mounts have also been replaced. The radiator was recored. The Borg-Warner automatic transmission was completely rebuilt (the shift lever needs to be moved in a certain, determined way at times to engage reverse, though). Everything looks clean and tidy. The motor keeps great oil pressure; it does not smoke, drink, or leak fluids of any kind.

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Factory serial number, stamped onto the alloy cylinder head and matching the firewall-mounted data plate, reveals that this "S" is one of the few 9.0:1 compression models made to these exact specs, placing it in a league with Scotland Yard's fabled M-1 Motorway stormers of the Sixties, preferred mode of transportation for British detectives, fast enough to catch (almost) any fugitive.

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Incredibly, all manner of factory literature is still present after 39 years, including this mint original owner's manual and warranty certificate.

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Car's superbly straight body was re-sprayed in the traditional livery of Le Mans Blower Bentleys, British Racing Green, the most appropriate color for a fast S-Type, too.

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The paint is still very glossy; however, some shrinking and cracking took place, most pronounced on the left front fender, left side, roof and deck lid. This cat still looks incredible from a few feet away, but don't expect to win the Best Paint category at the next Concours the Elegance.
Lavishly applied brightwork is in very good to excellent condition throughout; just the front bumper could stand to be rechromed.


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Fully loaded, this S-Type not only features the high performance engine, but also the very desirable chrome wire wheel option. The wheels are not new, but in very good condition throughout. Tires, Hercules up front and Pirelli P400s out back, are almost new and in the correct dimension 205/75-15.


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While we're at it, let's check out the car's undercarriage, shall we?
Yes, you guessed it, the belly of the Jag's corrosion-sensitive unibody looks virginal; even the thin, factory-applied undercoating is still intact. What a relief, for every Jaguar restorer knows of the pain and suffering experienced when attempting to bring back a less-than-perfect example to rust free glory. My advice: don't even try it; start with a dry California Jaguar instead!


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Unrivalled in their market segment, in fact squarely in Rolls Royce territory, are Sir William Lyons' posh sedan interiors. Acres of wood not only enhance, they actually create the dashboard. The six round dials and centrally located row of toggle switches were lifted straight from Jaguar's sports racers. You do not find a burlwood picnic tray in an E-Type, though!
Almost miraculously, all six gauges work; just the small clock inside the rev counter doesn't.

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A picture tells more than a thousand words, they say. Here are three. Click on any of them to view the elaborate wood work, IMAX size. They say wood is life and wood is beautiful. We wholeheartedly agree. But wood is also very expensive, which is why you might appreciate that somebody else took it upon himself to have all of it spectacularly refurbished, at considerable expense!


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Rear accoutrements include chrome ash trays in both doors, a wide center arm rest, and more than enough space for three full-figured adults. The British created the saying "my car is my castle"; sitting in this Jag will make you a firm believer. It feels utterly safe and protected, almost like an armored car with leather chairs. It's Heaven on Earth!

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And just like the wood, whatever you touch has been sensibly restored.
Carpeting is brand new, cinnamon-colored WILTON wool, the best and most expensive automobile carpet in the world. The acres of leather covering the seats are CONNOLLY hides, once belonging to deliriously happy bovines grazing the Scottish Highlands. Again, these are the most expensive hides money can buy, and for a reason. And the headliner (Note to self: all three interior lights work!) is made from fine wool as well. The phrase no expense spared about covers it.


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Whereas you might easily mistake an S-Type's front end for that of a compact Mark II, its rear might fool you into believing it to be a Mark X or 420G, the S-Type's bigger sibling. Who would have known?
Indeed, the S-Type falls between small and big, the best of both worlds if you will, a concept finding renewed support these days, evidenced by the recent re-issue of the "new" Jaguar S-Type.


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The S-Type's large trunk swallows a lot, and then some. It's nicely dressed in fine carpeting throughout.

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Like any good vintage car, this Jaguar comes with a few parts in the trunk. Apart from the above mentioned literature, there is a THOR hammer for the knock offs, the front arm rests, and a few pieces of door weatherstripping still waiting to be installed. Original, burled wood radio bezel and knobs are included, too, as well as the original seat belts with chrome "Jaguar" buckles.
Spare rests below trunk floor in its own compartment. No rust here, either!


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Well, we're almost done with our tour. An impressive car to look at and to sit in, the S-Type is equally pleasant to drive. It handles very much like a 3.8 litre Mk2, better actually, since it has the E-Type's independent rear suspension instead of an ancient banjo rear axle.
Of course, even an S-Type doesn't handle like a new BMW or Mercedes, but it doesn't strive to be driven like one of those. The Jag does hold up very well in contemporary terms; back in its day, it set the benchmark for a gentleman's personal car that allowed spirited driving in utter comfort and style.


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With VARAMATIC power-assisted steering (and a telescoping steering column), GIRLING 4-wheel power disc brakes (fully rebuilt, including calipers/pistons/pads), fully independent suspension all around, and the American automatic transmission, the sedan is a wonderful driver's car. It wraps class, old-world style, and vintage sporting excitement into one very attractive package.


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Although by no means a perfect car, much money and effort has been invested to turn this 39-year-old survivor into a car that's pleasant to live with. A California car most of its life, its body is perfectly straight, rust and accident free. It has a rebuilt, matching numbers engine and a fully refurbished interior. Due to a few paint flaws and minor mechanical quirks, it is the perfect car for somebody looking for a driver instead of a show winner. If you can accept a vintage Jaguar for what it is, this Cat will put a smile on your face every time you open the garage door.

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With prices for nice MkIIs hovering in stratospheric regions, more and more aficionados discover that the S-Type actually is the better car. The better value for the money it has always been.