Jaguar S-Type 1963–1968 car dimensions: 4750 mm long, 1683 mm wide and 1416 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,625 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 538 litres.
The cabin seats five in leather over foam with reclining front seats that adjust for reach and height, plus folding armrests front and rear. Polished figured walnut covers the dash, console and cappings, with a full-width parcel shelf, lockable glovebox, door pockets and a pull-out picnic tray. A fresh-air heating and ventilation system gives infinitely variable control plus separate front and rear outlets for rapid demisting.
The extended rear body creates an exceptionally large luggage boot of 19 cubic feet that is fully trimmed, automatically illuminated and has a self-supporting lid. Twin fuel tanks sit in the rear wings to free up floor space, though the independent rear suspension cage limits usable height.
A Witter tow bar was listed among the factory optional extras. Payload is quoted at 450 kg on a kerb weight of roughly 1560-1650 kg.
The cabin seats five adults in leather hide over deep foam rubber cushions, with individual front seats offering combined reach and height adjustment plus reclining backrests as standard, plus folding centre armrests front and rear. Polished figured walnut covers the facia, door cappings, console and a pull-out drinks tray, with thick pile carpets throughout. A high-efficiency fresh-air heating and ventilation system gives individual front and rear controls for infinite temperature and volume, plus rapid windscreen demisting.
Twin 7-gallon petrol tanks with facia changeover switch
Servo-assisted Dunlop disc brakes on all four wheels
All-round independent suspension standard
Front seat belts optional
Fuel consumption typically 14-20 mpg depending on conditions
Fuel comes from twin tanks mounted in the rear wings, each holding about 7 gallons, selected by a facia switch so the gauge shows only the tank in use. This setup allows a reserve and balanced load for longer range.
Servicing follows the factory workshop manual covering engine, transmission, suspension, brakes and electrics. Routine checks include oil, coolant, brake fluid and filters, with no fixed public interval stated beyond standard classic practice.
Safety kit centres on four-wheel disc brakes with servo assistance and the independent rear suspension shared with larger models, which improves ride and handling stability over live-axle cars. Zero-torque door locks and thief-proof quarter-light catches are fitted. No crash-test ratings appear in period records.
Living with the car means enjoying the quiet, refined ride from the IRS and leather-trimmed cabin, but expect classic-car upkeep for the XK engine, wood veneer and body. Parts and manuals remain available for maintenance.
Length 4750 mm, Width 1683 mm, Height 1416 mm, Wheelbase 2730 mm (S-Type 1963–1968)
Sources: manufacturer data, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_S-Type_ and jec.org.uk/models/compact-jaguar-saloons/s-type/ and classicandsportscar.com, classiccarportraits.co.uk and carspector.com.