Introduced in 1963, Jaguar's S-Type has long been sort of an insider tip among enthusiasts of the marque. Placed between the Mark II and the Mark X, the S-Type provided the perfect balance of compact size, sportiness, and luxury one could hope for. In 1967, when the MKII was rebadged as 240 and 340 depending on its engine size, the S-Type became the 420 as it was powered by the E-Type's 4.2-liter engine.
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Today, almost half a century later, many of these marvelous motorcars have succumbed to the dreaded tinworm or mechanical failures and moved on to the big boneyard in the sky, others have been "restored" to various degrees, with mixed results. Finding a car with a stellar provenance that has never been restored, never needed restoration, yet always received the best of care regardless of cost, is like winning the lottery.
Here's such a gem!
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A California car from new, this magnificent 1967 Jaguar 420 was owned by one of the most remarkable people in the nation: Dr. Bruce Virgil Elings. A professor of physics at UCSB, he became an incredibly successful businessman who founded the billion-dollar company Digital Instruments, and a philanthropist who donated $3,5 million of his personal wealth to MIT for a new building, established Santa Barbara's largest public park, and a gearhead who started the Solvang Motorcycle Museum.
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The 420 comes with its original tan vinyl pouch holding all the factory books and brochures, even the lubrication chart.
Originally sold on 7/23/1967 in posh Encino by long defunct Frank Millard Sport Cars, Inc., this Jaguar has been a Santa Barbara resident almost since day one. It still carries its original 1967 black-and-yellow California license plates, front and back. The car's service booklet was faithfully filled in every single year by Butts Buick, back in the day the most prestigious foreign-car dealership in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. When Dr. Elings purchased the car 31 years ago in 1984, it had traveled a documented 42K miles, and Dr. Elings drove the car another 18K miles during his tenure, bringing the actual mileage up to 58,755. the car was serviced by the book, regardless of cost, and must be one of the finest unrestored Jaguars of the model in the country.
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Residing in a clean engine compartment is the 420's incredible 4.2 liter engine which it shares with the legendary E-Type. The Walter Hassan-designed 245hp DOHC straight six features twin SU carburetors and turns the Jaguar into a serious contender, able to travel north of 120mph with 5 occupants aboard.
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The motor runs very strong and smooth, keeping exceptional oil pressure even during brisk freeway jaunts, without any untoward noises, smoke, or oil leaks to report. It's as healthy as the proverbial ox and needs nothing. The Borg-Warner-sourced transmission is every bit as healthy, with positive shifts and none of the sluggishness high mileage cars often experience.
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Of almost unreal beauty, Jaguar's coachwork is straight as an arrow and appears 100% rust and accident free. Many fortnights ago, the car was repainted in its original Primrose color and, despite its age, the finish is holding up remarkably well with just very minor signs of use. The lavishly applied chrome is free of pits or corrosion and sparkles like a freshly minted silver Dollar.
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Fully loaded, this Saloon rolls on very desirable, factory chrome wire wheels with center knock-offs. The wheels are in very good condition throughout with no issues such as broken spokes or curb rash to report.
Let's look inside now.
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Only the finest natural materials found their way into a Jaguar Four-Twenty, lending the cockpit a special aroma found only in a Jaguar of this vintage. For example, the headliner is made of Wilton wool. It is immaculately clean.
All three dome lights work.
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Unrivalled in their market segment, in fact squarely in Rolls Royce territory, are Sir William Lyons' posh sedan interiors. Acres of wood not only enhance, they actually create the dashboard. The six round dials and centrally located row of toggle switches were lifted straight from Jaguar's sports racers.
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With the sole exception of the clock, which shows the correct time twice daily, all of the gauges and switches work as they should, and that includes the fabulous Audiovox AM/FM stereo radio as well as the rear air conditioning. Notice that the 420 has two fuel tanks and two fuel pumps, just in case Lucas, the God of Darkness, has a bad day.
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Breathtakingly preserved Connolly hydes seem flawless and give testimony to the exceptional care this Jaguar has always received.
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Inviting rear bench seat features original leather, as well as a fold-down center armrest. Note air conditioning duct on parcel shelf.
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All the lights work on this car, including backup lamps. Note original "BUTTS - Santa Barbara" license plate frame, practical pop-out quarter windows.
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The cavernous trunk still features its original HARDURA mat and side covers, all in exceptionally fine fettle.
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Left: clean, rust free trunk floor. Right: below the trunk floor resides the matching spare wheel as well as tire jack and handle.
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Yes, you guessed it, the belly of the Jag's corrosion-sensitive unibody looks virginal with most factory finishes still intact. What a relief, for every Jaguar restorer knows of the pain and suffering experienced when attempting to bring back a less-than-perfect example to rust free glory. Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
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Above photos showing the undercarriage in more detail.
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Friday, August 21st, turned out to be just another lovely summer day here in our olde mission town San Buenaventura. With temperatures in the mid-80s, we enjoyed allowing the cat to stretch its legs and snap some photos along the way.
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The Four-Twenty is an impressive car to look at, to sit in, and it's equally pleasant to drive. It drives very much like a 3.8-litre MKII, a notch better, perhaps, as it features the E-Type's independent rear suspension.
Of course, even an S-Type doesn't handle like a teutonic sports car made by Porsche or BMW, but it doesn't strive to be driven like one of those. Rather, it allows sporting motoring in style and utter comfort.
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Equipped with air conditioning, a telescoping steering column, power-assisted steering, GIRLING 4-wheel power disc brakes, and fully independent suspension all around, the athletic cat moves effortlessly and swooshes away with ease, growling pleasantly in the upper rpm range. Shifting is smooth and the noise level inside is similar to that of a period Rolls Royce, which requires no further explanation.
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If you love purebred sports cars, but do not want to compromise practicality, the 420 might be just the car for you!
Considerably more affordable than its smaller, rotund brother, the 340, this exceptional Jaguar is the better car and thus the obvious choice for the sensible enthusiast.
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This low-mileage, exceptionally well-kept example needs nothing but a good home with a new owner who appreciates a fine vintage Jaguar; one that is ready to be driven every day.
Addendum:
We sold this exceptional Jaguar in September of 2015.
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