1967 Jaguar 420 Saloon

Sitting between the Mark II compact sports saloon and the big new Mark X was the S-Type announced in October 1963, combining the best elements of both to create an excellent intermediate luxury car aimed squarely at the executive middle classes. The independent rear suspension from the Mark X was incorporated into the Mark II floorpan with extensive modifications and the bodywork was similarly altered to resemble the bigger car, particularly at the rear, providing more interior and luggage space. In October 1966 the new 4.2-litre XK engine with twin S.U. carburettors on the straight port head was fitted to the S-Type and renamed the 420, with revised frontal styling closely modelled on the big 420G. Braking was Girling discs at either end and buyers had a choice of transmissions - either a Borg Warner Type 8 automatic or a manual gearbox with the option of overdrive. The interior of the S-Type, already considerably more luxurious than the Mark II, was further refined in the 420 with a new padded facia with centrally positioned clock. Always overshadowed by the Mark II in the market place, the more sophisticated 420 represents great value at the moment for the astute buyer.