1967 Jaguar 420 Compact Saloon

In October 1963, Jaguar further expanded their compact saloon range with the announcement of the new S-type, neatly bridging the gap between the sporting Mark II and the much larger, more overtly luxurious new Mark X. Aimed squarely at the executive middle classes, the new Jaguar combined the best of both worlds, with the styling revised to bring the S-type more in line with the big Mark X. In particular, the boot was reshaped to provide more luggage space, while fully independent rear suspension was incorporated to give a safer, more comfortable ride. In October 1966 the newly enlarged 4.2-litre XK engine, with twin S.U. carburettors and a straight port head, was fitted, along with revised frontal styling closely modeled on the 420G and the name changed from the S-type to the 420 compact. Braking was by Girling discs at either end and buyers had a choice of transmissions - either a Borg-Warner Type 8 automatic or the manual gearbox with the option of overdrive. The S-type's interior, already considerably more luxurious than the Mark II, was further refined in the 420, with a new padded fascia and a centrally positioned clock. Although overshadowed by the Mark II for years, the altogether more sophisticated 420 represents great buying for the astute buyer, with more equipment, luxury, and power for less money.