ONE-OFF S-TYPE JAGUAR

IF JAGUAR had decided on a drop-top S-Type, it’s doubtful it would have looked better than the stunning creation by central coast vehicle restoration specialist, Tony Bayliss.

Over the years Tony and his wife owned many Jags and one day his wife saw and fell in love with the S-type.

Tony found an auto version, in white, which he did up for her as a daily driver.

One day he was out in the S-Type when he was offered a second body for spare parts, which he thought might come in handy. Years later when the white car was sold he still owned the spare body and, though his staff suggested a ute conversion, his wife thought a convertible more appropriate.

And that is how the five-year project was born.

Armed with factory drawings of the car and a bottle of whiteout, Tony envisaged how it would look, staying faithful to the original body contours.

With the conversion underway, Tony embarked on a ground-up front-to-back restoration.

Everything on the car was removed and either rebuilt or replaced.

The body was strengthened, new parts fabricated, the front and rear suspension, frames and brakes were refurbished and a new exhaust fitted. A rebuilt 4.2-litre M10 engine, Borg Warner 65 gearbox and XJ6 power steering rack installed, along with a new wiring harness.

New splined house chrome wire-wheels and knockoffs were also fitted.

The interior was re-trimmed in leather, the timberwork re-veneered in burl walnut, the soft top made from Mercedes cloth with West of England lining and the body brought to life in rhodium silver.

Tony has kept records of the S-Type for the 14 years he has owned it including the five years of the conversion and resto project.

With appearances at weddings and advertisements, this one-of-a-kind head turner could be yours, check out the ad in our online classifieds.