2006 JAGUAR S-TYPE
ENGINE 2720cc/V6/DOHC POWER 204bhp@4000rpm TORQUE 321lb ft@1900rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 143mph 0-60MPH 8.5sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 34-40mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, six-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 77,324 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The idea of a diesel may not sound like the most enticing of classic vehicles, but listening to this car’s whisper-smooth idle, it’s hard to tell if it’s a petrol or a diesel. That said, it’s obvious as soon as you plant the throttle. The steering is light but predictable when the roads start to get interesting and the perfectly weighted gear lever slips between the evenly spaced ratios well. Performance is brisk rather than eye-popping, but relaxed cruising is what the S-Type is all about anyway. There are no peculiar clonks or rattles from the drivetrain or suspension, and the brakes work sharply yet predictably, with no tramlining.
BODYWORK CHECK
This Jaguar presents well overall – the silver paint gleams in the sun and seems to be unaffected by lacquer peel. There’s no obvious corrosion in the body, and all the paint appears to match across the panels. The gaps between those panels are even, too. There are a few minor stonechips to the nose and the headlamps have discoloured slightly. There are some very minor marks here and there elsewhere, but it has stood up to regular use well. The tyres all have a good level of tread remaining and the alloy wheels are free from damage and corrosion.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
It doesn’t feel like a traditional Jaguar in here – gone are the usual lashings of wood and cream leather, replaced by dark metal trim and more black leather than a Saturday night at the Ace Cafe. If that’s your bag, then this is a great example of the S-Type breed – there are no scratches or marks on the control surfaces and the comfortable leather chairs have only light creasing. There is minor bolster wear to the driver’s side seat, but nothing that an afternoon with a leather treatment pack probably wouldn’t sort. All the systems work well and the air conditioning blows ice-cold.
UNDER THE BONNET
Pop the bonnet and there’s not much to see, other than a big black shroud. It’s a little dusty but there’s no visible corrosion, all the fluids are up to the maximum mark and none show any sign of leaking. A quick look at the service history reveals regular visits to main dealers and specialists, though there are a few gaps. Its last service was in 2016, at which point it received a new cambelt. This may be a relatively new car for Classic Car Weekly, and it’s a diesel to boot. But we’ve not mentioned its trump card – it’s fitted with a towbar. If you’re into a bit of classic caravanning or motorsport, then we can’t think of many better neo-classic towcars for the money. This example is a rare manual, and in excellent condition. Well worth a look at this sort of price.