S Type X200 Series 3.0 SE/XS

It was the summer of 2013 and inspired by my Son David's recent automotive acquisition, a Jaguar S Type 4.2 R SC, and after having the joy of giving it some 'welly' around the county roads of Lincolnshire (adhering of course to local speed restrictions) I had to have one.

My search started with scanning Ebay listings and Autotrader ads. There were many available at a price I was willing to pay but the one thing that focused my choice more than any other was the date of first registration. Jaguar S Types registered before circa March 2006 commanded considerably less road tax than those registered after that date. The exception was the 2.7D version which didn't change. So having a lifetime hate of anything diesel I began my search for an exceptional pre-March 2006 3.0L with a reasonable specification.

I saw one that I liked at a favourable price on Autotrader that was advertised as in "Exceptional Condition", and to be fair the pictures appeared to reflect this. On arriving at the car showroom - well a barn on a farm, the owner drove the car out so I could inspect it. What a disappointment and a wasted journey. The car interior was quite literally dripping with nicotine. Very little of the electrical features actually worked. Those that didn't included A/C and door locks. I inspected the underside and it was quite apparent that the vehicle had been standing in a field for some time - it was rotten. I thanked the owner for his time and of course the opportunity to view such a unique specimen. I departed somewhat disenchanted and was left wondering what I might be letting myself in for if I continued the quest to acquire a nice S Type.

Undaunted I continued my search for the 'Golden Fleece' of S Types. I eventually found at a large used car Dealership in Derby a low mileage, one owner 3.0l SE finished in Jaguar Racing Green. It also fell into the lower Road Tax bracket. This fitted my requirements perfectly. So - long story short. I saw - I road tested - I inspected (closely) - I purchased. The car has been a constant source of pleasure since that date and never fails to bring a smile to my face.