It may look like it was born in the 1960s, but there's more to the S-type than meets the eye. Tom Bird looks at the XF's predecessor.
Much has been written about Jaguar's past obsession with retro design, and how it - amongst other reasons - has brought the company down. However, that's not to say that no-one ever bought an XJ, X-type or indeed an S-type, in fact around 300,000 examples of the 5-series rival have been built since its launch in 1999.
And there's good reason for that. Beneath that 1960s MkII front grille actually lies a modified chassis from the Ford Thunderbird, but don't let that put you off.
Naturally, it's rear-wheel drive and the engine line-up is not to be sniffed at - a 3.0-litre V6 with 240bhp, a 4.0-litre V8 with 280bhp and the top line S-type R with a supercharged 4.2-litre V8 packing 400bhp. A manual gearbox was offered with the V6 engine, but it's extremely unlikely you'll find one in the region. Early cars have five-speed automatics, but we'd look at a 2002-era cars or newer as they have a better six-speed box.
The S-type is a great car to drive - along straight motorway stretches as well as on the occassion when the roads become a little more twisty and interesting. It exemplifies everything that is good about a modern Jaguar - involving, whilst also cosseting. It hasn't followed the route of BMW and Audi who, in the search of adding a bit of sportiness to their cars, fit larger alloys and stiffer suspension to the detriment of anybody inside.
Acres of real wood detailing and herds of leather adorn nearly every surface of the plush interior. Space is good for four - the transmission tunnel that runs through the length of the cabin limits the amount of legroom for anyone sitting in the central rear seat. Caution is advised with the very light leathers as they can easily becomed discoloured from dark jeans, and signs of ageing will show up more prominently.
Looked after, an S-type will last you - and your family - for a good number of years. There is a reasonable number available in the region. V6s with the much improved six-speed gearbox are rather popular and can be picked up for anything from $10,000 to $16,000. V8s hold their value better, costing from $19-25K.
Compared to the likes of the BMW 5-series, Audi A6 and Mercedes E-class, the S-type offers something a little different. It's not the default safe choice - which may have put people off buying new. But the depreciation that hurts sellers trying to shift one or two-year old cars is all the better for someone looking for a used example. You'll have to spend more to get in a similar age German exec, but invariably the engine won't be as big and the spec level won't be as high.
And those put off by the ultra-complex high-performance models like BMW's M5 or the tricky to service AMGs will find the S-type R remarkably straight forward. Without a limited-slip diff, an easily switchable traction control system and 400bhp under your right foot it's a bit of a bruiser in very sensible clothes.
With only subtle visual differences between the R and non-blown S-types, you'll shock lesser motorists as you storm past with the Eaton supercharger whining away.
Instantly recognisable as a Jaguar, the S-type carries more cachet in the golf club car park or with the hotel valet than the Germans could ever do. Which makes it all the better.
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