Jaguar S-Type - The 1960's Saloon that set the benchmark for comfort | Tyrrell's Classic Workshop 

The XK engine is probably the finest engine made by anyone EVER. The engineering is unsurpassed

Harry Metcalfe, Iain Tyrrell and Allen Millyard. Three national treasures!

Arrived home in Jan ‘73 after seven months away, my first trip in the Merchant Navy. Part of the trip running from the US West Coast to Vietnam, States Marine charter, 100% war bonus. Bought a 1967 3.8 S type for £220, beautiful light blue metallic, great condition. Used it, almost lived in it, for six months. Sold it on my return to sea for £220. Such fond memories.

A Harry's Garage video followed by an Iain Tyrrell video on a Jaguar S-Type. What a way to spend the night. Finally some appreciation for British metal. Lovely looking cars, a proper Jaaaag. Thank you Iain!

Iains knowledge is second to none when it comes to these classics. It's always a pleasure to watch a Tyrrells video😊

Nothing beats old-school interiors, plastics these days just doesn’t compare, and never will.

Happy memories was the last jaguar my dad bought before he passed away remember going out on Sundays to Keele services on the M6 dropping off my mum and sister then going up a junction and round in a loop going at 100mph just before speed limits came in he created a petrolhead son in those trips 😁🤓

I had one of these machines. Bought it in Malaysia, repaired it and imported it back to Australia. Wish I still had it. Was a fabulous car.

Now that is timing. Just finished Harry's video on his gearbox and now this. An Iain double-bill.

Hi Iain, my cousin worked for 'The Jag' as he called it, at Browns Lane in Coventry in the early 1960s. He met Sir William Lyons on several occasions,and said that the great man was not averse to rolling his sleeves up and getting his hands oily to resolve problems as they arose. He also informed me that he had the honour of loading several D Types onto a transporter for the trip to the Motor Show at Earles Court in London. And finally he mentioned that he and several colleagues were quite friendly with Jaguar's test driver,the late great Norman Dewis OBE with whom he would have a drink at the local pub near the factory !

The refinement in luxury in British luxury cars is I think unmatched.

My Father had a Mk2 Jag 3.4, 4spd/O/D, red leather seats ( very comfy!! ) paint was a creamy white, my grandmother had an XK150, 3.4 4spd man?? green leather seats chrome wire wheels BRG colour. BEAUTIFUL cars!!!!!!!!!! On one trip we were in a hurry for a doctors appointment; 90mph not kph, NO problem, it would get very to 120mph!!

Sunday evening! a perfect evening would could not be complete without a new episiode of Harry's Garage and Iain Tyrrell!

I used to work on these cars in the 1970's. They really were comfortable and smooth really very close in ride to a Rolls Royce for a lot less money. The smell of leather and the beautifull wooden trim is wonderful. Rust was a problem.

How can you possibly know so much about everything? It’s fascinating to listen… never boring or didactic. Thanks for a great weekend treat.

My father had one and once, unbeknownst to him, I took it out for blast and it certainly did go. Wonderful car.

I’m surprised the BBC or itv hasn’t contacted you - honestly how much more Michael Portillo on a train 🚆 can the British Public take (or put up with) when there’s quality content like this waiting in the wings ? - Excellent. ♥️😇👍

Thanks Ian for the thoughtful and respectful review of one of Jaguar’s best. I owned and drove a handful of the classic Jaguars for 50 years. Papa had an E Type OTS for his daily driver, and I bought a 1953 Mark VII saloon, black of course, in High School and drove it for 7 years. The famous XK engine was actually developed for the Mark VII, and would push that large 6 passenger saloon car to over 100 mph: quite an accomplishment back in the day and faster than any contemporary American sedan. The XK engine was England’s equivalent of the ubiquitous Chevrolet small block V8, winning LeMans and powering Jaguar saloons into the 1980’s. As a red blooded American teenage boy, I naturally modified my Mark VII by securing a pony keg of beer in the large trunk and running a hose up to the beer tap on the burled walnut dashboard. We even drag raced it with a bevy of beautiful young women on board, losing the race but winning hearts and affection.

Nice to be reminded about the great history box Jaguar, I wasn't a fan until I went to the museum at Gaydon, a great visit for anyone that hasn't been.

Just watched Harry garage video got my cup of tea ready to watch Mr Iain Tyrrell ‘s video thank you so much keep up the amazing work looking forward to the future as always love the knowledge thank you very much

Another fascinating learning experience. I do love the way Iain explains in a clear understandable way, the key technical highlights of each car that graces his workshop.

This channel NEVER disappoints; about 25 years ago, I looked seriously at a few MKIIs and S-Types, they are my favorite vintage Jaguars. Thanks for the video, it was a delight.

This is the "stereotypical " English luxury sedan example that remains a benchmark as to how I (and others) compare luxury sedans - the classic wood and leather interior (love that narrow, skinny steering wheel), the polished dash with the switches and controls, soft, comfy leather seating, the elegant lines and shape of the body, those beautiful inset headlights and the supple, firm ride. And that legendary engine. Over time, Lucas electrics and the state of the labour/trade unions vs management within the British automobile industry really let these cars down. I love them! Another fantastic post - thank you!

Back in 1971 when I was just 22 years old my boss was selling his 3.4 MK ll Jaguar and I decided to buy it. What a great car it was for a young guy to cruise the town in back then. I can still remember the smell of the leather and the luxurious interior. As I recall the overdrive worked on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears, It was bronze in colour, similar or a little darker then this car, with a red leather interior and the reg. was BDA544B, {Big daft Allan} my boss's name.

My dad bought a new one 3.8 s in silver blue March 1966, l had the honour of driving it home and l was just 19 years old. We had the car for 7 years

My mom had the 3.8 S when we lived in Beverly Hills, California and I got it when she was done and it was my "first" car! OH what a joy to drive--took it up to 127 mph once upon a time on an empty straight arrow blacktop highway near Palm Springs. But one thing about that engine? Back when Mom was still driving it, we kept smelling gas in the car and took it to the dealer on the Sunset Strip where the head of the service dept (who wore a spotless white shop coat and an ascot, resembled John Cleese, and clearly never personally touched a car--smile) took us to the wonderful tool kit that sat in the spare tire, withdrew a large black BOLT, went to the engine and said, "Well, what you have m'am is a sticky float valve in your carburetor--so when that happens, this is where you hit it" and proceeded to RAP the bolt head on the carb to "unstick" the float!!! I remember laughing that THIS was how this marvel of engineering was to be repaired! But wow, the luxury of the leather and wood, the utter novelty in the US at that time of the push-button starter, but mostly the AMAZING steering of the car which was so responsive and "positive" compared to the big boat Caddy's and Lincolns of that era and you're so right about it being the best-riding car of the era by far (my car after this was a Mercedes and it had ZERO personality by comparison). The ONE issue that wasn't Jag's fault but was a US thing was that of course the car never had American-style/standard air conditioning in the UK but when they brought them to America they added an after-market air conditioner that sat in the trunk from some outfit in Florida. And with it, this open-road-intended car, when driven in the heat and stop-and-go traffic of Los Angeles with its tiny grill ran VERY hot. Once upon a time, again before I got the car from Mom, we were driving on a very hot L.A. day and there was a BANG as loud as a shotgun and then steam from the hood--when opened, we found that the plastic bottle reservoir for the windshield-washer had basically exploded like hard taffy slammed onto a countertop--just shattered really. ANYHOW, I loved it all through my college years but when we decided it was time to sell, we left it with a consignment guy in the San Fernando Valley who specialized in special cars like this and HE had a potential customer take it for a test drive and utterly wreck it! I shed more than one tear and will always remember my 3.8 S. It was my first and, as I think back, best ever car indeed! Thank YOU for the tour and details and for spurring these memories.

We simultaneously owned two of these beautiful "S" types from the mid '70's into the late '80's both 1966 manual overdrive, one a 3.4 S, the other a 3.8 S with chrome Dunlop wire wheels. The 3.4 was my wife's "shopping trolley", and because it had no power steering, her upper body work out exercise. The 3.8 was the family express, both great absolutely reliable vehicles for all the time we owned them, lots of family memories made, all bought back by your beautifully done review Iain, thankyou so much.

I love these technically biased episodes. I always learn something that I had never really understood before. When the master speaks, I pay attention!

Sunday- watch Tyrrell and Harry channels time. Always fabulous.

i have a 1964 S type in a storage shed in NZ. Hopefully she will be running again soon.

From a former owner of an S-type, I've got to say this was a very accurate description of the car. Well done.

The test run should have had a Consul GT chasing you!

What’s brilliant Iain is that you share history and knowledge of whatever fabulous car is receiving TLC, very informative and enjoyable

My 1982 Toyota Corona had an overdrive button as well. Never imagined it had anything in common with a Jaguar.

My favorite Jag for all the reasons so expertly laid out by Iain. Apart from the technically advanced IRS and engine, the beautiful dash and sumptous leather seats make the S-Type the classic Jaguar pick. I've been saying this for 30 years so it's time to get one! Thanks for the giddyup Iain...

I just hope Jaguar come back with a new model that puts them back on the podium.

Excellent video,reminded me of when the local Lloyds bank was robbed in the early 70’s & the police searched my fathers car repair business as his car spraying man had an S type similar to the one used.

Love the shape of the S Type I remember them quite well when I was a teenager,👍👍👍.

I am a massive fan of the Series 2 XJ, but these S Types, I think are one of the best cars ever made, the MK2 front and MK10 rear just perfect styling.

This brings back memories of the 60s for me I always had jags S types and 420, not the G , I remember seeing a 420 G for sale and drove out to the country and found the cottage, and guess who it was, Claude Bailey who I believe was the head engineer of Jaguar, apparently, Jaguar gave the car to Claude Bailey as a retirement present, he did all servicing himself and even gave me Jaguar magazines with articles written about him and he signed them all. I lost track of time chatting with him it was past midnight when I finally left. I feel like a kid again.

Underrated car. How many were trashed in the Sweeney? Just throwaways in the 70s/80s and only now has the market woken up to the fact these have the style of the MK2 but with a much more sophisticated suspension set up.

Good to listen to something positive about British engineering, I get tired of the everyone else is better. Thanks.

Owning a car with an XK engine is one of my life goals.

Here in the USA (New Jersey),when i was young in the early 1970s i would frequenly see a good fair amount of jaguar coupes and sedans, loved the looks of jaguars,we simply say 'Look, here comes the cat'! LOL.Thanks for the ride.

I can remember my uncle having a pale blue 3.4 Mk2 with grey leather upholstery and a manual gearbox. My cousin and I would ride in the back hanging on to the grab handles or arm rests. This was followed by a dark blue with red leather 3.8 S-Type with an auto box. A few years later my dad had a VX 4/90 with a 4 speed manual box with a GKN-Laycock overdrive on 3rd and 4th, effectively giving you 6 gears, but by then the switch had moved to the gear knob. He later bought a FD Ventora with the 3 speed automatic. Rolls Royce used a GM auto on the Silver Shadow as did Ferrari on the 400i and Jaguar on the XJ12. I always felt nauseous in the back of the Mk2, sliding around whereas in the Vauxhalls, not at all. More light, grippier seats and being bigger made a difference. Nice to see the S-Type as l think it often slipped almost unnoticed between the Mk2 and the XJ6. Wasn't there also a 420 version?

I love this channel, Ian’s knowledge and enthusiasm comes over in such a lovely way. It’s not all about the latest, fastest etc but about a real appreciation of excellence, design, quality and a reflection of history.

I thoroughly enjoyed this … Mr. Tyrell looks verybmuch at home in that cabin

Trip down memory lane there Ian. Sales manager always had jags where my father was service manager in NE Lancs. Traveled in all the iconic cars of that era and even some exotic ones dad would bring home at lunch time to show me, and have a quick spin in. Just wish we had the photographic evidence for everything then we have now. Vicar at my boarding school in London had an S type, wire wheels and all; strange transport for a vicar, but he was an interesting guy. Love your posts mate, take me back to a simpler time . Cheers from NZ.

I remember as a kid in the late sixties being confused by Jaguar S-Type and the huge Jaguar Mk 10/ G model in later years. I think they became known as the 420 [the S Type] compact and the 420 G {grand} the bigger one! The big one was made for the U.S.A. market but both models were as rare as hens teeth!. This smaller saloon S -Type is the one you really want as a driver and the big G model was the one to sit in the huge back seat couch!

Probably the best classic car show on RU-vid. Would be great for Ian to give us a tour of the external styling and interior styling.

There is definitely a zero missing on Subscribers on this channel. It is very pleasing and enjoyable to me and i am not into cars et all, said that, not even English ;-)

I don’t think anyone explains mechanical operations more clearly than Mr Tyrrell! Clear to anyone of with any level of knowledge!

Just because of you and the Jaguar S-Type I chased up a copy of the movie “Robbery”. Great car chases as you said.

My first introduction to Jaguar in the 80's was my best mates fathers S type. Fell in love with them and still hold a special place in my lifes memories. Those beautiful lines and curves, sweet inline 6, SU carbs and throaty exhaust. I had them for wedding cars too. If only they built cars like them now...

Always thought the XK engine is vastly under rated as a piece of engineering excellence, Incredible lifespan Reliable Powerful and Beautiful to look at.

Looking at that beautiful interior brought me back to my childhood in the 50s. My dad had a Mark VII saloon and I was absolutely fixated on the dash and especially the little jewel-like indicator lights. Jaguar routinely made some of the most beautiful cars.

I have a huge fondness for these cars.. Having passed my test in 1964, my father allowed me to buy a Mk1 Sprite, from there having got into club motorsport I moved to a series of more competitive types until in 1974 I had need of a saloon car. The need wasn't due to a burgeoning family, but to move a huge quantity of Drachma from Greece to Switzerland. Due to a coup that had ousted the royal family, a close friend and client had to vacate the country and asked if I could do him a 'favour' in helping move the money. If you prise away the carpet from the footwells, you'll find two circular access plates that allow access to the inner wings.. you'd be amazed at how much can be stowed in those wings, yet we still almost overfilled them... I don't have sufficient space to describe that journey and the other issues involved, but that car, 3.8 with overdrive had to cover the distance to Geneva in record time through one of the worst blizzards Europe had ever seen. Great challenge and I chose the very best car for the job.

The S-Type video has made my day. My Dad had a 67 S-Type and I’ve loved them ever since. Lot’s of happy memories the best part of any day out was the Journey in the S-Type. Many thanks.

Cup of coffee here in the States. Looking forward to it.Drove one of those years ago.

That's the car I learned to drive in, I was living with my uncle when I was 15 years old and he took me to the bull wall outside of Dublin near Clontarf to drive on the sand along Dublin Bay. It was a standard shift with right hand drive and I had never driven before. God bless you Uncle Billy, this is around 1968.

A lovely car and great presentation.Strangely enough the neo classic s type from 2002 ish is also a great example of ride and handling 20 years on.Still putting modern cars to shame...

Glad to hear the mention of Road & Track. If memory serves me correctly, R&T also referred to the Jaguar S Type as having the best combination of "grace, space, and pace". Couldn't agree more.

The S type was compromised by the metal (Pressed Steel Fishers) . I worked at the main dealers in Newcastle during the 60’s and it was rare not to see an S type with rust. We simply called them ‘rot boxes’. Thank heavens for that fabulous engine, lovely interior and Jaguar name.

True English gentlemen, thank you for your videos. I enjoy them very much.

It was so lovely to take a ride in the S-type. I had one 1965 C after righting of a MK11 In the 60's . Still a Jag man XJ6. @71. Thank you .

Great video thank you. Incredibly informative and interesting. My father was working on restoring his 1967 S-type with the 3.4 engine. He never finished his S-type because time and fate were not kind to him. I still remember the workbench and the tools lying around the body of the S-type and my dad enjoying working on the body. Thank you for making me smile for the memory on the S-type and my father. #proudofthebritish

Reminds me of my 1985 XJ 6. Loved that car!

I just learned more in 22 minutes about jaguars in my 55 years than I could’ve ever imagined. This is like tribal knowledge being handed down

Very enjoyable ; my cousin had one back in the eighties - a lovely place to be indeed !

A ride in a client's gold S Type in 1970 was my first experience of a Jaguar. I fell in love and went on to own 14 various models over the next 40 years but ironically never an S Type but always delightful!

My dad bought one of these back in the day, we drove round Forest Gate and Stratford East London from West Ham where we lived, my mates thought we were rich as my dad had a Jag, it set me in the path of loving classic cars today

You were The Man when you drove this !! Many Many top villains Loved them !! The S type was a Classic bad man’s car !! Loved it ❤️❤️❤️

Thank you for an intelligent channel. Never dumbed-down.

My late father had a couple of 3.8S auto's, 9045 KO (Now on a Tesla) and HYM540C, He loved those cars, but the XJ6 he bought later, was a revelation.

My Dad had one when I was a kid. I still recall the smell of the leather and the rumble of that smooth engine.

Brought back memories of sitting in the back of one as a kid going out on a Sunday. Same colour and engine but auto.

My uncle who was at D Day and an officer of the Queens Own Rifles had a 60’s Jag that he was so proud of.

Good afternoon lain. Back in the late '60's my sis' dated a guy who had this exact model , 3.8 MOD in Golden Sand . He offered it to me for £200 !!! I thought it was too dear ! Even today these fine cars are undervalued and underloved ! Of course not only was the "e"type announced with the i.r.s. but also the MK X ! But for me the ultimate saloon was the series 1 4.2 auto XJ6 . I had one as a 23 year old and the road holding and performance was unbelievable . .....but as a 20 year old, even 49years later, my 1970 Triumph 2.5pi still evokes the best memories !! As always , your show is quantum leaps ahead of the rest . Thankyou lain .

There's just something special about Jaguars. Can't really put my finger on it but I really like them (although I've never owned one). Either way, car world would be really boring without them. Cheers. I subscribed and watched every single of your videos.

Really loved this episode Ian, the S-type sounded wonderful. All the very best to you. Matthew @ The Malton Motor Company Independent Jaguar specialists.

What a gorgeous car

Always admired the overall appearance of the S-type which seemed to combine the best of both the MKII (front half) and large MKX (back half). Excellent review and enjoyed the ride!

Thank you Iain, for sharing this with all of us. 👍

The car chase in Robbery is one of the all time great movie car chases along with the Steve mcqueen Bullet car chase driving the v8 mustang... Awsome 👍

I remember these in breakers in the early to mid seventies during and after the fuel crisis. Jaguars always seemed to become tatty old bangers at 10 years old and S Types (and the Mark X) were just worthless. That looks like a very nice one and a rare survivor. It's a pity that more were not saved.

A beautiful presentation of part of our motoring heritage. The engine and interior is sublime, fantastic work Iain . Will the modern computers on wheels ever be seen in the same way in the future? . A good friend in Denmark would often collect me from the airport in his or alternatively a fully restored Morris Minor. It could really move and I remember the overdrive light👍👍👍

Learned something about the differences between the types of Jaguar, nice car.

Great video. I have a 1972 XJ6 and a 1976 XJ12 and love them both for the same reasons. Just wonderful places to be on any drive.

My father bought an S Type after having a Mark 2 in period. I was too young too fully appreciate it, but I can remember being fascinated by the twin fuel tank dials; I think he was more than happy to purchase the new XJ6 when it came out, because the S Type used to drink like a fish and you could literally watch each the first fuel tank drain as you drove along and the second one took over.

Been in a good paddock I see Mr Tyrell 🙏🙌🦘

I remember so many Mk1, Mk2 and S-Types living out their days sitting on streets rotting away because the owners couldn't afford the fuel or to pay to service them. They all had worn rear brakes and U/S handbrake before being shipped to breakers to be banger raced or stripped of the engine and rear suspension for specials and hot rods. My Dad who owned a garage wasn't a fan, was more a Ford man and thought them over complicated and the family arguments went on well into the night about the relative merits. For me it's so nice to see some of these beauties survived, I always considered the XK engine a work of art.

The Gentleman's Club interior, beautiful condition

my boss's wife drove a 67 when I did my apprenticeship.. 38 years ago I told my lovely wife I would get her one... I think it's the most beautiful passenger car ever made... inside and out thanks for sharing

And not a moment too soon. I was beginning to experience TCW withdrawal symptoms. A lovely car. An interesting and informative video. As always. Thank you.

Tyrell, I don't have a classic car and never will have one. I DID have a 1980 TR7, and that ended quite badly though. I will tell you what I really appreciate about your channel, is that the small details you give add up to such big things! How would I ever know, that if a seat is over padded in a certain model of car, my head could be touching the ceiling! I love every bit of your channel, the editing is SO well done, as is the camerawork. Thanks for all the trouble you are going through!

Another great video, about my favourite Jaguar, in the best colours too!. Trad looks and interior with really good driveability, and still affordable - for now! Just one anorak point, Jaguar's chief engineer was William Heynes, Hassan was Walter - an amazing story to his career starting as a young lad in the early years of Bentley Motors, ending up co-designing the V12 with Harry Mundy. Overdrive was always a good idea, loved it on my Rover P4s and now on my Scimitar Coupe.

A very British and marvellous piece of engineering. Beautiful body design. I can't express in words as Tyrrell did. It remarkable.

Gold standard in Exotic car Video.

That was quite "Lovely." I enjoyed your review & comments!

Anyone who hasn't seen it there is a 1961 jaguar factory tour on RU-vid a must watch for any jaguar enthusiasts 😀👍