Jaguar S-type period competition history

Colin McKay · 8 Feb 2009, 18:14 (Ref:2391182)

I find it hard to believe that the S-type had no international competition use when it was first introduced - surely the new-fangled IRS would have tempted someone to have a go. Anyone know better? Any info on UK or club events would be welcome, it might provide leads worth following.

simon drabble · 9 Feb 2009, 07:42 (Ref:2391482)

sadly no international history - that is why they cant get FIA papers.
Dont forget in period they were pretty unloved.

**Peter Mallett** · 9 Feb 2009, 08:00 (Ref:2391488)

They were also automatic AFAIK.

Colin McKay · 9 Feb 2009, 22:50 (Ref:2392015)

I'm almost certain they were available as manuals from the outset, but they were certainly aimed at an 'exec' market rather than the sports saloon following of the Mk2. The IRS was the big difference from the Mk2, and with hindsight it's amazing that the potential of that rear end wasn't spotted sooner.

johnh875 · 10 Feb 2009, 04:56 (Ref:2392118)

Probably the extra weight - 120-140kg above Mk2 weight. Also on a racetrack the deficiency of a live axle compared to irs is not as pronounced.

Colin McKay · 10 Feb 2009, 12:32 (Ref:2392312)

I'm not so sure, I've raced a Mk2 against XJ6's & XJ40's for 2 years and you just can't get the power down coming out of a corner like they can. I've yet to get to grips with my S type, only done 1 race with no clutch and bu**er all brakes so not really representative of how it handles, but I'm doing some testing later this month so we'll find out then.

I haven't weighed the car yet, but an old weighbridge ticket has it at 1240kgs and I don't think you would get a MK2 much below that safely, even if the regs allowed it.

johnh875 · 12 Feb 2009, 22:22 (Ref:2396439)

Fair enough Colin. Perhaps that by 1964/65 the Jaguar was no longer a force in touring car racing, having been outclassed by Mustangs etc?

Colin McKay · 12 Feb 2009, 22:41 (Ref:2396451)

My point exactly. The Mk2's were pretty much outclassed by the time the S type came out, all the more strange that the irs wasn't widely welcomed, the XK engine still had plenty life left in it.

Colin McKay · 15 Mar 2009, 22:32 (Ref:2416274)

This is interesting. At Race Retro I had the opportunity for a long chat with Norman Dewis. His memory is usually spot-on and he's fairly certain that Salvadori, amongst others, raced an S-type when they were first introduced. Unfortunately he's off on a lengthy tour of the US and won't have the time to dig through his files before he goes, but there's the anecdotal evidence, the truth must be out there somewhere!

**Peter Mallett** · 16 Mar 2009, 06:30 (Ref:2416418)

Looking at Roy's Biog on the bRDC site his last race was June 1965. But all I can find are his MkII exploits for Coombs.

simon drabble · 16 Mar 2009, 07:43 (Ref:2416432)

Colin - they were never homologated in period by the factory and never ran in an international race so you will never get FIA papers for it so enjoy it for what it is - a great clubman's car.
That is why it presumably cost considerably less than a papered Mk2!

**John Turner** · 16 Mar 2009, 12:50 (Ref:2416644)

I have Salvo's autobiog (co-written with Anthony Pritchard) and there is no reference to him driving an S type. He drove Mk2s during the 1963 season, but by 1964 he was close to retirement. He did just 5 races in 1964 and 1 in 1965, none of them in Jaguars, and was by that time both a director and racing manager for Cooper Cars.

**Peter Mallett** · 16 Mar 2009, 15:10 (Ref:2416719)

Quote:

Originally Posted by simon drabble

Colin - they were never homologated in period by the factory and never ran in an international race so you will never get FIA papers for it so enjoy it for what it is - a great clubman's car.
That is why it presumably cost considerably less than a papered Mk2!

Stop shouting at your screen you'll wake up the office!

simon drabble · 16 Mar 2009, 15:12 (Ref:2416721)

haha fair comment but it was Monday morning!

Colin McKay · 16 Mar 2009, 20:05 (Ref:2416923)

Quote:

Originally Posted by simon drabble

Colin - they were never homologated in period by the factory and never ran in an international race so you will never get FIA papers for it so enjoy it for what it is - a great clubman's car.
That is why it presumably cost considerably less than a papered Mk2!

I know, I know. Clutching at straws, but I'm nevertheless intrigued why they weren't experimented with, even in national events. As for the 2nd point, try telling that to the Director of Finance!

Al Weyman · 17 Mar 2009, 13:36 (Ref:2417355)

Years ago (I used to trade in cars which is why I have had so many different models) I bought a white ex-police S Type at the Alexandra Palace car Auctions, I am almost 100% certain this had a manual transmission fitted as I recollect it gave me some problems selling it on although it may have been the holes in the roof and the zip in the headlining not helping.

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