Jaguar S-Type R: Spotted
Is it time to begin appreciating the S-Type R?
The S-Type R was a surprise because it was dynamically talented at a time when Jaguar wasn't renowned for it. This was before the new XJ of 2003 and of course the Mk2 XK and XF too. Cars like the X-Type and XK weren't bad, but neither was a byword for great handling.
The S-Type R was different though. Reading through old road tests throws up reams of praise, the steering and handling balance in particular drawing many plaudits. Even as it was on the way out in 2007 it was competitive in group tests as the dynamics helped to offset the dated cabin and styling. It delivered on the promise of the S-Type to create a genuinely talented Jaguar sports saloon for the 21st century. It just didn't look like one.
There was a big problem facing the S-Type too: the E39 M5. To many the very finest of the M5s, it offered a more modern appearance and a slightly sharper drive than the Jaguar. There was the manual gearbox too, which will have appealed to some. That's before any alternatives from AMG, Audi or Australia are mentioned too...
It would be boring if we all liked the same thing though, and there's something quite tempting about the old Jag seen here. Perhaps it's the nice pics. There are in fact only four 400hp S-Types in the classifieds, all of them between £9,000 and £12,500; not the time for cheap ones at the moment! This car has low miles, one owner and is described as "immaculate".
However. What if immaculate condition isn't an issue but the idea of a Jaguar V8 saloon still appeals? The highly rated XF SV8 is still depreciating, the very earliest cars with the highest miles now the same money as this S-Type. For another £2K this XF looks fantastic. The S-Type's job gets harder still!
JAGUAR S-TYPE R
Engine: 4,196cc supercharged V8
Transmission: 6-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 406@6,100rpm
Torque (lb ft): 408@3,500rpm
MPG: 22
CO2: 314g/km
First registered: 2002
Recorded mileage: 34,250
Price new: £45,090 (2007)
Yours for: £11,995
View the original advert here.
I regret selling both cars and if I ever need a 5 seat car to cover ground (very fast) again I know I'd be back in either of them.
Martin
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
Much respect to Sutcliffe.
S-Type R's are properly quick. I had a shot of one overnight and took it down the M40 to London in the evening. Came back about 2am, motorway almost completely empty and reached 140mph without really realising, so slowed right down to <100.
But then the devil on my shoulder had a word, and I started to wonder what 155mph would feel like (having been so close) so I floored it. 155 came and went and I was way past 165 (indicated) before I bottled it - so much for the limiter!!
Was totally paranoid for the next few weeks in case I'd been spotted and got a summons. (I didn't thankfully)
There's a place for everything of course - old chap a few doors down from her indoor's grandparents has a BRG one which he cleans pretty-much every day and it looks 'right' on his drive, in front of a bungalow, next to the perfect lawn etc.
It will never be cool - painting it in modern metallics is putting racing stripes on a pig - even a big engine just isn't going to be enough to make it cool (esp when the same power package is available in much more appealing cars - e.g. XJs)
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