The original Jaguar 'S'-type attracts a small but dedicated group of owners who appreciate the style of this luxurious compact saloon manufactured from 1963 to 1968. Every Jaguar enthusiast is familiar with the history of the Jaguar MkI and MkII, but many are not aware of the story of the 'S'-type or the special role this unique model played in the development of the Jaguar sports/touring saloon. The introduction of updated styling to a modified compact saloon body providing generous boot capacity, on a modified E-type / MkX independent rear suspension, means that the 'S'-type includes many of the best features found on other Jaguar models available at the time.

Jaguar's first compact saloon, the 2.4 Saloon, was announced to the public in September 1955. It was the first Jaguar saloon to feature unitary construction, and was later referred to unofficially as the MkI. The 2.4 Saloon was quickly followed by the 3.4 Saloon in March 1957. Much modified and improved versions of the 2.4/3.4 models were announced in October 1959, and named officially as the MkII 2.4, 3.4, and 3.8. With 83,980 MkIIs manufactured between October 1959 and September 1967, and considerable racing success, it is clear why this model is so well known, and why good examples demand high prices today.

The announcement of the completely restyled MkX in October 1961 immediately made the MkII appear out of date. The MkII was acknowledged as rapid transport in 3.8 litre form, but was criticised for its tight rear seat area, smallish boot, and most notably its unsophisticated rear suspension design. The new MkX's fully independent rear suspension with four telescopic shock absorbers and more effective inboard disc brakes (servo assisted), meant that the leaf spring rear suspension design on the Mk II was a generation behind. It was no coincidence that a new compact saloon, named the 'S'-type, was announced in September 1963, using a version of the E-type / MkX IRS with a rear track midway between the two. This meant that the rear track of the 'S'-type was just under an inch more than the MkII's when the standard 5.5 inch steel wheels were fitted. The incorporation of IRS meant much improved handling due to both the improvement in rear axle location and more accurate control of the rear suspension geometry with better balance when cornering, as well as a more refined ride for the 'S'-type.

Although the 'S'-type was developed from the MkII, it shares only one common body panel (the bonnet), and cleverly, the rear styling resembled the wider MkX. The rear wheel arches were lowered compared to the MkII's and the wheel spats were deleted. It required a completely new rear structure to mount the IRS, and the new longer rear shape with vestigial fins improved boot capacity from 12 to 19 cu ft, and incorporated switchable twin 7 gallon fuel tanks in the process. A new longer and flatter roofline was introduced for the 'S'-type, with a more upright rear window, allowing the rear seat back to be moved rearwards, improving rear seat room. Overall height was reduced by 5 cm compared to the MkII, weight however, increased by 127 kg.

The traditional Jaguar saloon's curve to the rear quarter vent windows was retained for the 'S'-type, (and is still visible on the 1999 S-TYPE), along with the MkII's slim chromed doorframes. Updated front styling was introduced featuring the MkX's headlight style with "eyebrows", recessed fog lights, and a modified MkII grille with thicker surround and centre strip. The MkII's heavy front and rear bumpers were replaced with wrap-around bumpers with a much slimmer section, and the front and rear light housings modernised. The MkII's front sidelights on top of the guards were deleted, and the sidelights were incorporated into recesses beside the front turn light housings. The 'S'-type is approximately 16 cm longer than a MkII, all of it behind the driver, but still 38 cm shorter than a MkX. The more modern styling of the 'S'-type produced an overall effect that looked much lower than the MkII, with cleaner, sleeker lines. Although the longer rear styling was not universally accepted at the time, it is interesting to note its similarity to the current Rolls Royce rear body shape. It was felt at the time that the 'S'-type's rear styling didn't match the front styling and clearly didn't belong, and this was reinforced when people pointed out that the rear door shut-line was still shaped to meet a now non-existent MkII rear wheel arch. However it was handsome enough, and finally gave drivers a compact saloon with Jaguar's outstanding IRS. The move away from the traditional rounded styling of the MkII, however controversial, certainly provided a clear indication of the styling direction that the XJ6 would take.

Interior changes for the 'S'-type were again based more on the MkX than the MkII. A full width burr walnut dash with timber top rail configuration out of the MkX was used instead of the design with the black leather-grained centre panel from the MkII. Also new to the compact saloon was the new rounded console and full-width parcel shelf incorporating controls for the new heating and ventilation system. Heating and ventilation was also provided to the rear seat occupants. Full instrumentation was provided with six gauges, a clock and a row of toggle switches carried over from the MkII. The front seats were modified to improve the reclining action and the picnic tables deleted to improve the rear seat legroom. A new process and material was used for the headlining to increase headroom, with a foam-backed cloth bonded to the steel turret.

The 'S'-type 3.4 and 3.8 were announced in September 1963, and initially sales met expectations. Although there is some disagreement between various publications for total production figures for the 'S'-type, what is clear, is that sales were steady rather than buoyant, and in fact Jaguar claims that the 'S'-type sold enough to pay its way. Paul Skilleter quotes production figures in his definitive "Jaguar Saloon Cars" (1980) as 8,665 RHD 3.4s, 1,371 LHD 3.4s, 9,717 RHD 3.8s and 5,418 LHD 3.8s produced, giving a total production of 25,171 between September 1963 and August 1968. During this period, Jaguar was still selling the MkII, which was replaced in September 1967 by two cost reduced versions named the 240 and 340. At the same time, Jaguar's range also included a stopgap derivative of the 'S'-type, the 420, the last in the line of Jaguar compact saloons. A total of 7,246 240/340s were produced along with 9,801 420s up until September 1968, when the 'S'-type, 240/340 and 420 were all replaced by the new XJ6.

The 'S'-type appealed to the luxury-conscious businessman who wanted more luxury than a MkII, while the MkX was either too large or a little out of his price range. The 'S'-type provided improved ride quality and handling, yet retained excellent acceleration. Contemporary reports declared that "The 'S'-type Jaguar offers one of the best buys in the luxury car field - and offers assured driving pleasure to the discriminating purchaser." Autocar reported in March 1965 that "There can be few big saloons in which the ride is as good as in the Jaguar 'S'-type and passengers can travel over the most terrible surfaces without having to bother what the wheels are doing. The all-independent suspension is not spongy or woolly, yet absorbs bumps, dips, and pot holes with almost contemptuous ease." Performance figures of 0 - 60 mph in 10.2 seconds, with a top speed of 121 mph for the manual overdrive 3.8 litre version (at only 4700 rpm in O/D) meant the 'S'-type was still a very rapid sports saloon.

Buyers had the choice of the 3.4 or 3.8 litre DOHC XK engines in 7.0, 8.0 or 9.0:1 compression ratio. Manual transmission with optional Laycock de Normanville overdrive controlled by a steering column stalk was available, as was the ancient Borg-Warner DG35 automatic transmission. Originally a Moss manual gearbox was fitted with an optional close ratio version available, however in June 1964, the Moss box was replaced by a Jaguar all-synchromesh box. A limited slip Powr-Lok differential was fitted to 3.8 litre models.

Other options available in the various export markets included "Burman" hydraulically assisted power steering, centre lock painted or chrome wire wheels, white wall tyres (for US buyers), His Master's Voice push-button radio with electric front mounted aerial or rear mounted aerial, front lap-sash seat belts, electrically heated rear window demister, "Sundym" tinted glass, "Cibie" amber fog lights (for Switzerland only), wing mirrors, steering column lock, wood-rim steering wheel, and "speed hold control" on automatic versions. A full set of tools were provided in a fitted and lined container located inside the spare wheel below the luggage compartment floor, while a jack, and wheel brace (or hide wheel hammer on wire wheel models) was mounted nearby. An extensive range of thirteen exterior colours in solid and opalescent finishes was combined with nine alternative colours for the leather interior upholstery.

Major specification changes during the 'S'-type's model life included the introduction of radial tyres in June 1964, a manual gearbox upgrade to all-synchromesh and Model 8 Borg Warner automatic in October 1964, the fitment of hazard warning lights to US cars in September 1965, the deletion of the limited slip differential in September 1967, the downgrade of the interior from Connolly leather to Ambla and from Wilton carpets to tufted in October 1967, and Marles Varamatic power steering replaced Burman type in January 1968.

Most scribes acknowledge the BMW 1602/2002 as the first true sports sedans, but one could make a good case for the Jaguar MkII and its offspring. While the 'S'-type doesn't possess the cult following and race history of the MkII, it is an endearing sports saloon, and companies are starting to restore and modify them with values heading towards the dizzy heights of the MkII. The 'S'-type combines some of the best attributes of several different Jaguar models, and deserves a little credit of its own.

'S'-type Jaguars were imported into Australia through a range of dealers, and via six major distributors: Bryson Industries in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, Westco Australia in Brisbane, M. S. Brooking Holding in Perth, and Port Darwin Motors in Darwin. The first two 'S'-types arrived in Australia in late 1963 and were sold to Bob Jane & Col Shea. The ex-Bob Jane car's whereabouts is not known, however the ex-Col Shea car was a regular Concours winner, and is still being carefully looked after by its third owner Ian MacNee in Central Victoria.

There is a great deal of work being done currently to keep 'S'-types on the road. Many are being restored to a high standard, while others are being maintained on a JIT (Just-in-Time) basis as they are still being used regularly. Unfortunately some cars have been lost to the hot-rod fraternity who value the Jaguar independent rear suspension highly, and so you will find a few fully chromed 'S'-type rear suspension systems under various rods including model T Fords! Restoration of an 'S'-type is relatively straightforward, as many parts are common to other Jaguar models. Some second hand parts in good condition are getting rare, and thus are relatively expensive; for example, original lens assemblies for the three interior courtesy lights are now as scarce as hen's teeth! The dramatic increase in the range of reproduction parts available for the MkII means that many quality parts are being manufactured which also suit the 'S'-type. In addition, reproduction versions of unique 'S'-type trim parts such as badges and turn indicator lenses are now available.

There is a large range of potential upgrades possible for 'S'-type owners who want to improve the performance, and/or comfort of their 'S'-type. These include simple engine modifications, e.g. fitment of larger 2 inch HD8 twin SU carburettors off a 420, or even triple HD8s off a 420G, revised cams, straight port heads, increased compression ratio, even a 4.2 litre block. A common upgrade for non-power steering cars is to fit the late '68 model 'S'-type Varamatic power steering system to reduce the parking efforts dramatically, and in fact, this modification is also performed regularly on MkIIs. Other upgrades performed include an improved braking system, air-conditioning, 4-speed automatic, electric windows, central locking and suspension upgrades.

The 'S'-type is slowly gaining recognition throughout the Jaguar world, as more fully restored cars appear at various events and people recognise their worth. This trend gained a very significant boost when Jaguar launched a new compact saloon in 1999 and decided to name it the S-TYPE. Most of the S-TYPE promotional material features MkIIs, as many people around the world remember the MkII's sales and racing success, although the new car's styling is clearly derived from the original 'S'-type. One very pretty 1965 'S'-type owned by Gerry & Pat Howell has had considerable exposure within the Jaguar world. It was part of the launch of the new S-TYPE organised in April 1999 by Jaguar for the Asia Pacific region covering Korea & Japan through S. E. Asia to Australia & New Zealand. This newly restored Golden Sand 'S'-type was displayed in a prime position in the Crown Hotel (Melbourne) during the launch presentations to regional dealers/distributor executives and motoring journalists. A second 'S'-type owned by Hugh & Ingrid Esler was displayed during the S-TYPE launch in the cellar at the Chateau Yering Winery. The 1968 'S'-type owned by Andrew & Irina Henshall, was also involved in the S-TYPE launch drive program, when the owners were invited to display their car at Healesville Sanctuary, a wildlife park which was used for the daily morning-tea stop.

A recent development in Jaguar circles is the formation of a group of 'S'-type enthusiasts in Victoria. It was felt that there was a need for 'S'-type owners and enthusiasts to meet occasionally to socialise, admire, swap information, parts, stories, etc, about these now rare and largely over-looked Jaguars. Sixty-six owners of 'S-types in Victoria have been located to date, and have already met socially to discuss forming an 'S'-type Enthusiasts group, with the result that the Jaguar Car Club of Victoria has been approached regarding the formation of a Register for 'S'-types. Close contact is being maintained with David & Patricia Reilly in the USA, who have owned their 1967 3.8 'S'-type since new. David is the very enthusiastic Registrar of the International Jaguar 'S'-type Register, and co-editor (with Patricia) of an excellent Newsletter. Contact details: David & Patricia Reilly,  E-mail: S_types@yahoo.com For details of the newly formed Victorian 'S'-type Register contact : stype@jagvic.org.au