1968 Jaguar S-Type 3.8 Automatic

Presented back to the market due to a delay from the DVLA regarding the V5.

Highlights

• Classic Old English white with red interior
• Respray in 2006
• Current keeper since 1985
• Large history file with bills and receipts
• Desirable 3.8L XK engine
• MOT records from 1984 onwards documenting the car's use
• Gearbox reconditioned in 2024
• Renovations to braking, suspension, cooling, ignition and electrical systems

The Appeal

The S-Type evolved the original Mk2 aesthetically and mechanically, most notably gaining that independent rear suspension from its sporting sibling that earned it the nickname ‘four-door E-type.’ These nimble, entertaining cars are far rarer than their Mk2 3.8 forefathers and those improvements make them a canny choice amongst enthusiasts.

Here is an opportunity to acquire a restored S-Type 3.8L Automatic that has been with the current keeper for over 40 years. In that time it has received a long list of improvements, including gearbox reconditioning in 2024, while over the years the braking system, suspension, cooling system, ignition, and electrical systems have all received thorough attention. A respray was carried out in 2006, and welding repairs to the jacking points, along with re-wiring, have been completed since.

The car is correctly registered with the DVLA as a S-Type with a 3.8L engine, including an engine number that corresponds to a factory 3.8. The eagle-eyed will spot that the chassis number doesn’t quite match that description, which the vendor has explained below. Whether that matters to you will be a personal choice, but if it doesn’t, you get a very tidy and clearly much-loved S-Type that benefits from investment in all the right areas. A very stylish and usable example of these engaging cars.s

The vendor says:

Overall, this is a good condition car that presents and drives well for its age. Provenance is exceptional, having had only two previous owners, with the last holding ownership for over 40 years. While it is not perfect, having a few cosmetic paint imperfections, minor interior wear, and small mechanical quirks, that is precisely what makes it such an honest classic. For someone looking for a usable, reliable driver rather than an untouched showpiece, and who would not mind doing a bit of minor work along the way, this is the ideal car.

A rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully maintained and extensively refreshed 1968 Jaguar 3.8 S-Type.

Key Information

• Mileage: 36,043 miles indicated (supported by MOT history dating back to 1984)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt (historic vehicle)
• Technical specs: 3.8-litre six-cylinder petrol, 3spd automatic
• Paperwork: Extensive file of bills and receipts spanning the last ownership

The vendor says:

“Unfortunately, we do not have any records or documentation that explain the discrepancy between the chassis plate details and the car's current specification. Throughout my father's ownership, the car was always known and registered as it is today, with the 3.8-litre engine recorded by DVLA.

“Given the age of the vehicle, it is certainly possible that changes were made by a previous owner, whether that was an engine replacement, a conversion from LHD to RHD, or other restoration work. However, I am not aware of any evidence that would allow me to confirm exactly what was done or when.

“At present, this is the extent of my understanding of the car's provenance.”

The Detail

• Long list of work to mechanicals and other areas detailed below
• Older repaint in Old English White which remains presentable with detail points to note
• Some deterioration to bodywork such as nearside rear arch and base of doors
• There are a few spots of touch-up paint and some paint crazing in places
• Red interior with 420 dashboard with wood veneers
• Well kept interior with some age to note
• Welding repairs to jacking points and new floor soundproofing completed in 2018
• Re-wiring carried out in 2010
• New chrome door handles and rear lamp lenses fitted
• Heater system operational with a working Ram Air unit
• Correct original radio fitted but non-working; functioning tape deck present
• Front grille has light cosmetic dents
• Interior has a few marks on some seats and a slight tear on the driver's seat
• Main horn push not working
• Minor power steering fluid leak from the reservoir
• Brand-new battery (July '26)

The vendor says:

“The description below has been carefully put together from notes left by my father, reflecting the work he carried out and the attention he gave the car throughout his ownership.

“Mechanical & Safety Upgrades:

“This car has benefited from substantial work to ensure reliability, performance, and confident driving. The front braking system has been fully overhauled with air-cooled front discs, new bearings, new stub axles, new brake pads and calipers, and high-quality, corrosion-resistant brake lines. The rear braking system features replaced rear discs and handbrake pads, a serviced servo-assisted power braking unit, an overhauled brake master cylinder, and additional servo and master cylinder work completed, delivering excellent stopping power.

“Engine & Electrical:

“Upgrades include a fully electronic ignition system, performance coil, new low-drag starter motor, high-quality battery, and an alternator fitted (supporting automatic gearbox reliability). It features a reconditioned radiator with new hoses and taps, filled with coolant, an operational heater system with a working Ram Air unit, and a new thermostat fitted.

“Suspension & Ride Comfort:

A full suspension refresh includes four shock absorbers and coil springs at the rear, new shocks, coils, and correct bushes at the front, alongside adjustable front shocks for refined ride tuning.

“Additional Features:

“Fitted with a stainless steel exhaust system and the correct original radio (non-working) with a functioning tape deck. It boasts new chrome components including door handles and rear lamp lenses, and includes black and chrome number plates.

“Condition & Notes:

“The car presents extremely well and has been maintained with longevity in mind. There are a few minor outstanding items typical of a classic vehicle: speedometer/odometer occasionally unsteady, main horn push not working, minor power steering (PAS) fluid leak from the reservoir, and the front grille has light dents (cosmetic and inexpensive to address). Importantly, none of these affect the overall driving experience or safety.

“History & Provenance:

“Accompanied by an extensive file of bills and receipts documenting the work carried out, backed by long-term ownership (40+ years) and maintained with knowledge and advice from Jaguar specialists.

“More information on the vehicle's exterior:

“Exterior overall presents well, however there are a few spots where the paint has been touched up and poorly matched, along with some crazing on the paint in a few spots.”

BEFORE YOU BUY

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