A Jaguar with a manual gearbox. It sounds a bit peculiar, like strawberries without cream, Morecambe without Wise, or ding without bat. That's because Jaguar never quite nailed the three-pedal shuffle. From the fateful moment that the first car journo crunched another reluctant cog into action on a Moss-'boxed E-type, we've learnt to welcome automatic Jaguars as the default option, and to feel no remorse at the disappearance of the spindly wand from the Browns Lane walnut.
Here's a spec for you: no leather or auto...
So it comes as a surprise to find that a car as relatively modern as an S-type could be ordered with a manual cog-stirrer. Despite the helpful passage of about half a century since those awkward Moss units first made their hateful appearance, Jaguar still hadn't really learned the knack of slick gearchanging when the S-Type arrived on the scene. To be fair, few prestige brands have covered themselves with glory on the manual box front. Mercedes ones are pants, and Shed will argue long into the night with anyone who maintains that there is something pleasing about a BMW manual. But surely there is value in the rarity of the manual S-Type, if not in its quality?
Our Shed is proletarian in more ways than one. It has no leather, for example. But even basic Jags are better equipped than most. In terms of the driving experience, the S-Type is not as sporty as a 5 Series, but nor is it the last car you should buy before pulling up the sarcophagus for a long lie down. Anyway, it more than makes up for any perceived shortage of handling prowess by offering bucketloads of the indefinable Jaguarness that is as hard to pin down as a UKIP candidate, but as warmly welcome as a naughty uncle at a dull family wedding.
... but there is a sunroof; superb!
There's no question that a degree of bravery is needed to step into the S-Type arena, especially if it's an early car you're looking at, like this one. These first S-Types suffered from quite a few woes, like ignition coil failures, premature engine wear and water-provoked electrical problems. This car does have the benefit of a full MOT, though that will be scant comfort if you find yourself marooned on the M11 in the early hours of a winter's morning with the silence broken only by the last tooth-grinding turn of a mullered crank. Take a look in the small ads for 3.0-litre S-Types and you will most likely be amazed at the number afflicted by some sort of bottom end problem. Even the most optimistic sellers would find it hard to insult a buyer's intelligence by categorising that as an 'easy fix'.
To the list of S-Type shortcomings you can add a shallow boot (although the rear seats fold, more than doubling your cargo space), rattly trim and a tendency to spin like a centrifuge on slippery roads. However, spare parts to replace your crash-damaged ones are plentiful, and not as expensive as you might think. S-Types are quite tough on suspension parts, but think of these as consumable items that contribute to your sense of well-being and life won't seem so bad. The good news is, the S-Type ticks the PH essentials rear-wheel drive box, so you can stun and amaze your friends at the the next driftathon.
Not infallible would be the kindest description
At the end of the day, or indeed the beginning of it, you've got 240 horses and 6-second 0-60 potential. It's really not so tough to put up with the odd ownership quirk when you've got those sorts of numbers at your disposal.
Black, mot until may 2015, Satellite navigation, Traction control, Parking aid, Remote central locking, Electric door mirrors, CD Player, Alarm, Cruise control, Electric windows, Heated seats, Sunroof, Central locking, Airbags, Folding rear seats, Power steering, 3x3 point rear seat belts, Air conditioning, Alloy wheels, Radio, Height adjustable drivers seat
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