Nov 16, 2024  •  For Sale  •  12 Comments

43k Original Miles: 1965 Jaguar S-Type

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This 1965 Jaguar S-Type can be considered a genuine survivor. It recently emerged after forty years in storage, and the long slumber means that it has only accumulated 43,000 miles on its odometer. The seller has worked through the difficult and expensive aspects of its revival, leaving the final details for the buyer to complete. They have listed the Jag here on Craigslist in Omak, Washington. They set their price at $18,000 with room to negotiate, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for this excellent lead.

Jaguar introduced the S-Type in 1963 to slot into its model range between the Mark 2 and the Mark X. It remained on sale until 1968, with this Coventry Cat emerging in 1965. The first owner selected Silver Blue to cloak its swooping panels, and there is no mention of restoration work. It recently emerged after spending forty years in a barn, and the car’s lack of apparent rust suggests that the storage environment must have been quite favorable. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and although the seller states that it isn’t perfect, this Jag’s overall presentation is comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade classic. The trim and glass are in exceptional condition, and there is no evidence of rust on the beautiful wire wheels.

Powering this Jaguar is a 3.8-liter DOHC six that produces 225hp and 245 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive, while the four-wheel independent suspension and matching disc brakes ensure that this classic handles and stops as well as it goes. The S-Type is a surprise packet because while Jaguar focused on luxury, its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 16.3 seconds on its way to 125mph proves that these cars could never be underestimated. The seller worked through the Jag’s revival by replacing the radiator, master cylinder, clutch, carburetors, tires, and freeze plugs. It runs and drives well, but requires a couple of minor unspecified tasks before the new owner can consider it genuinely roadworthy.

The seller’s interior shots are sadly lacking, making it impossible to assess the overall condition. The Dark Blue leather upholstery doesn’t look bad, with only wear on the armrest tags and the typical cracks and creases of age. There are no horrendous issues, and I believe that a high-quality conditioner would ensure the leather remains supple. The headliner looks fine, and what is visible of the Walnut trim is in good order. Retrims can be expensive, often costing over $5,000. Therefore, arranging an in-person inspection could be wise, because if this interior requires significant work, it places a question mark over this car’s financial viability.

Most of the 1960s Jaguars that cross our desks at Barn Finds are the iconic E-Type. The company’s sedan variants are under-represented, which is a shame because they are typically rewarding drivers offering a welcome splash of luxury. Completing the final tasks that will see this 1965 S-Type return to our roads should be easy and inexpensive, making it a tempting proposition. The seller’s price looks competitive, although with values slumping significantly, it probably wouldn’t represent a sound long-term investment candidate. However, these cars enjoy a strong following, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a home fairly quickly.

Comments

  1. John EderMember
    Nov 16, 2024 at 9:22pm

    Sorry, my attention was drawn to the clean looking Dodge D-300 lurking in the background.

    The front bumper on this car is a work of art.

    Like 4
  2. peter havriluk
    Nov 17, 2024 at 9:30am

    I wonder what those ‘final details’ are.

    Like 1
  3. Bob
    Nov 17, 2024 at 9:48am

    Think that after being in storage for so long and being neglected needed freeze plugs and radiator/water Pump it was neglected for a long time, I would be concerned about pitting of the cams and lifters

    Like 2
  4. wagonerkl
    Nov 17, 2024 at 11:05am

    In Omak, the freeze plugs replacement might mean it froze. Very pretty car…I love Jaguar styling. Too bad the modern ones look generic.

    Like 2
    • Michael Ferrino Jr.
      Nov 17, 2024 at 11:17am

      Most likely the plugs rusted out and leaked???

      Like 1
    • Robert HagedornMember
      Nov 17, 2024 at 12:38pm

      Jaguar held out and continued to make nice looking cars until a few years ago. Then the video game crowd of generics was joined for the current ugliness. It is too bad.

      Like 0
  5. Michael Ferrino Jr.
    Nov 17, 2024 at 11:18am

    Most likely the plugs rusted out and leaked???

    Like 0
  6. DuckCanuck
    Nov 17, 2024 at 2:55pm

    Jaguar XK engines had frost plugs that were prone to rusting. I replaced one on my 1967 Mark 2, but the second one would have required removing the engine to swing the hammer…. so I just installed a block heater instead!

    Like 0
  7. JagManBill
    Nov 17, 2024 at 3:01pm

    There’s an extra “1” in the price…. For an “S” (3.4 or 4.8) $18,000 would be for a really nice running/driving car with no (zero…nada) issues. The sedans, other than a Mk2, just aren’t there yet. Heck, if I’d had the place to put it I could have bought a really nice running/driving survivor 3.8 4spd Mk2 for $8,000 last month. I’m currently working with someone for a 420 and should have the deal done this week for a nice clean title survivor thats been in dry storage for over 30 years. Yeah I know I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me, but for $1,800…. And its got another 3 months paid on the storage. Gives me time to find somewhere to put it.

    Like 0
  8. Bali Blue 504
    Nov 18, 2024 at 6:46am

    Yes, more pictures would be very welcome, Even so, I can see myself behind the wheel of this gem and loving every minute of it. I also appreciate the equal craftsmanship of your writers! Keep it up!!

    Like 0
  9. JDC
    Nov 18, 2024 at 11:35am

    Some better pictures would help. From what is shown, the paint appears to be either well worn or applied by a non-professional. The doors don’t appear to line up well, and the headliner seems to show signs of moisture damage.
    These are beautiful cars, real works of art. Hopefully better pics prove me wrong about condition.

    Like 0
  10. Greg G
    Nov 18, 2024 at 10:46pm

    Nice Jag if you knew how to work em.

    Like 0

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