BUYING TIPS

1 Beware Beneath

The greatest potential problems are found underneath. At the front, check where the pair of chassis legs meet the crossmember – it’s a key area that gives the body much of its torsional strength, so rot here can be ruinously expensive to rectify. The same is true of the area at the base of each front wing – if it’s caused the door shuts to become uneven walk away.

2 Xk expenses

Coolant needs to be to the correct level and replaced annually to maintain strength and prevent internal corrosion. Lots of smoke on the overrun suggests worn valve guides, while an overly mechanical-sounding idle may mean the tappet buckets are lifting. Check the pressure – you’re looking for 40psi. Expect to pay £2k for an engine rebuild.

3 Ratio Rationale

Ensure that whether it’s the Moss gearbox or the later all-synchro ‘box that the gearbox isn’t jumping out of gear and each ratio can be selected easily. Where overdrive is fitted and inactive, problems usually result from either clogged filters or poor electrics. A slipping clutch is not to be ignored as it’s an engine-out job to rectify.

4 Keeping UP appearances

Whether the S-type you’re looking to buy has leather or Ambla seats and trim, it’s going to be costly to re-upholster everything. Nevertheless, it’s all available and there are plenty of specialists who can revive a cabin. But with a potential bill of £4k for a full trim, plus up to £3k for labour, it’s best to buy an S-type that already has a decent interior.