Jaguar S-Type (1963)
| Jaguar S-Type (1963–68) |
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|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Jaguar Cars |
| Production | 1963–1968 3.4-litre S-Type – 9,928 1963–1968 3.8-litre S-Type – 15,065 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports saloon |
| Body style | 4-door saloon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Jaguar Mark X |
| Powertrain | |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual; 4-speed manual/overdrive; or 3-speed automatic options available |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,730 mm (107 in) |
| Length | 4,750 mm (187 in) |
| Width | 1,683 mm (66 in) |
| Height | 1,416 mm (56 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,625 kg (3,583 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Jaguar Mark 2 |
| Successor | Intended Jaguar 420 Actual Jaguar XJ6 |
The Jaguar S-Type is a saloon car produced by Jaguar Cars in the United Kingdom from 1963 to 1968. Announced 30 September 1963 it was a technically more sophisticated development of the Mark 2, offering buyers a more luxurious alternative without the size and expense of the Mark X. The S-Type sold alongside the Mark 2, as well as the Jaguar 420 following its release in 1966.
The Jaguar Mark 2 was introduced in 1959 and sold throughout most of the 1960s. It had a live rear axle and was powered by the XK six-cylinder engine first used in the Jaguar XK120 of 1948. In the Mark 2 the engine was available in 2.4, 3.4 and 3.8-litre capacities.
In 1961 Jaguar launched two new models. The full size Jaguar Mark X saloon (pronounced mark ten) used Jaguar's new independent rear suspension and a triple SU carburettor version of the 3.8-litre XK engine. The other new car for 1961 was the Jaguar E-Type sports car, which shared the same 3.8-litre engine as the Mark X but used a scaled down version of the independent rear suspension.
Having released the Mark X, with its many technical refinements, Jaguar boss Sir William Lyons expected the Mark 2 would need updating with similar features if it was to retain its place in the market. Accordingly, work began on developing the S-Type (codenamed "Utah Mk III", the Mark 2 having been "Utah Mk II") as soon as development work was finished on the Mark X.
The S-Type was a major redevelopment of the Mark 2. It used a mid-scale version of the Mark X independent rear suspension to replace the Mark 2's live rear axle and featured longer rear bodywork, among other styling and interior changes. The S-Type was available with either 3.4 or 3.8-litre XK engines but only in twin carburettor form because the triple carburettor setup would not fit into what was essentially still the Mark 2 engine bay.
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