Dears,

I have the above S Type which has been converted from an Automatic to a manual, by whom and when do not know. My question is how can I trace exactly what gearbox and year model mine is from, the number being KBN179. Or indeed what Jag did it come from. Also I attach the Heritage Certificate which I received recently according to the plate on the car. It is annotated with my feedback as clearly my car does not match fully with what is registered, hence why I believe a conversion.

My next question is I want to replace the current gearbox with a fully recondition one. Any advise who to use/buy from ?

Many thanks for any input and advise.

Derek Jones

 

Hello,

This looks to be a 4 speed box form a XJ6.
There are several options for a replacement, For a manual heart a lot about a T5 gearbox.
I used the Quaterbreed conversion to a GM T700 ( 4 speed autobox with overdrive and lockup)

Regards,
Peter Jan

 

depending where you are located, in the UK there is the firm GW AUTOS whom you might consult.

www.gwautos.com

 

Hi Derek
The chassis number definitely indicates it was built in 1966, what documentation do you have showing it was registered in Switzerland in early 1966, can you post a pic of the plate. The gearbox number looks wrong, S-type synchro box should be prefix JBN for a later S-type Manual Jaguar all synchro box.

The gearbox prefix JBC is correct for S-type Auto box.

Gordon Woodroffe was originally founded in 1868 based in London and Madras, they were also based in El Adem in Libya in 1956, it looks like the were trading all over the place so it may actually be possible that the car was purchased by/through Woodroffe but used/registered in Switzerland, it may not have ever physically been in Tripoli at all. They were a shipping and transportation together with Leather goods manufacture, East Indian goods and all manner of things, looks like they had fingers in many pies.

 

Hi Tilley Jon,

Attached pictures of the plate. Many thanks for your reply most useful. Any advise on where to start looking for a replacement for a manual gearbox either 4 or 5 speed.

Kind regards.
Derek

 

" hence why I believe a conversion. "

If it was originally an auto it will be extremely obvious. The Auto tunnel is quite different (larger) & there is likely still signs of the hill holder unit in the braking line to the rear.