Jaguar S-Type R | Spotted

Quite why the design of the Jaguar S-Type was so vilified when it arrived back in 1998 has always puzzled me. Sure, the Mk2-inspired design missed the mark somewhat, with the saloon’s bulbous silhouette looking a little awkward and frumpy compared to the XJ of the era, while the gaudy chrome trim had a strong whiff of Rover 75 about it. But does it deserve all the mean spirited comments it still gets 25 (sorry, 26) years on – especially when the X-Type exists? I’d argue not.

Case in point: the S-Type R. A real hidden gem of a performance saloon, playing second fiddle to the E39 BMW M5 and the W211 Mercedes E55 AMG when new while also sitting in the darkest depths of the XJR’s shadow for much of its existence. Sad, really, because the S-Type R has all the hallmarks of a proper four-door bruiser. Behind that divisive oval grille (I’ll get onto that in a bit) is a burbling 4.2-litre V8 with an Eaton supercharger strapped to it, delivering an XJR-matching 400hp and 399lb ft of torque to the rear wheels through a six-speed ZF auto. So fast was the R that it could hit 62mph from a standstill in 5.5 seconds and had to be electronically limited to 155mph – just like the German big guns.

This is normally where comparisons between a Jaguar and its Bavarian brethren would end, but not so the S-Type R. Not only did it get the obligatory brake upgrade, stickier tyres and adaptive dampers, but reviewers at the time were full of praise of the R’s ability to deal with corners without completely losing the plot. The XJR did have form here, but it’s worth remembering the S-Type R was based on the same platform as the Ford Thunderbird and weighed 1,800kg; the fact that it was praised for its agility and class-leading steering is extraordinary. 

Even more extraordinary is how a light facelift and sporty body kit transformed the S-Type from an ugly duckling to a less-ugly swan. The R got rid of all the nasty chrome trim, which had a significant effect on the freshening up the car’s look. Most importantly, however, was the move to a body-coloured grille surround, meaning it didn’t sit quite as proudly as it did on the standard cars. A pair of exhausts either side of the rear bumper was properly old-school Jag (in a good way) while new 19-inch wheels helped bring the retro mobile into the 21st century.

Go on, admit it. You’re tempted, too. So here, feast your eyes on this 2006 example looking really rather smart in Radiance Red. It’s had just two keepers, packs a full service history and has only covered 70,000 miles. And just look at the immaculate interior. The S-Type’s cabin received a bit of flack in the day for being a touch outdated, but fast forward a couple of decades and the button-filled dash seems almost comforting compared to the mess of touchscreens we have to deal with today.

Then there’s the price. The seller’s asking £11,995 for it, which is quite a bit cheaper than an X350 XJR on similar mileage. For that, you’re getting near identical performance and heaps of Jaguar coolness, albeit with a smidgen less street cred. Not that you’ll care, because anyone whinging about the S-Type’s looks will be drowned out by the sound of supercharged V8 thunder. 

SPECIFICATION | JAGUAR S-TYPE R

Engine: 4,196cc V8, supercharged
Transmission: six-speed auto, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 400@6,100rpm
Torque (lb ft): 399@3,500rpm
MPG: 23
CO2: 314g/km
Year registered: 2006
Recorded mileage: 70,000
Price new: £47,000
Yours for: £11,995