I dont have an issue Mikey, but have an interest in when the car was built and if it is pre Vin number then i can add that to the history. yes jagV8 it is a problem when ordering spares. it also has the updated interior with the electronic handbrake and Sat Nav, an interesting car to say the least just what i like. It is just coming up for 52000 miles and is in an imaculate condition. I would post a picture if i knew how.

 

If it was a pre-production car it would likely be for demo/press use and so have lots of options fitted. If you have the service booklet the first (inspection/delivery) stamp may be a clue. What date was it first registered on the official document?

You can probably get a print-out from any jag dealer giving its build data (I did - just ask nicely). A bit geeky but gives even the serial numbers of modules etc. Tells you the jag names of various colors(colours lol) etc.

Does it have Brembo brakes? I expect so.

 

It is a 4.2L Sport. If the two pictures you posted are of the same car. The sport had a body color grill surround and body color trim. On the interior it got the gray wood along with leather only wheel and the same shifter as the R. As far as the year goes, follow JagV8's advise and ask a Jag dealer for a history / content report based on VIN. From your posted pictures, it is a right drive UK model car. In the UK, and the rest of Europe for that matter, new models are introduced earlier than in North America. In Europe, the refresh and update of the S actually occurred in mid 2002. In North America it occurred for the 2003 model year. Just like the S itself came out in 1999 in Europe and 2000 in North America.
Does that help or confuse you further?

Also, there should be a label on the door jamb that shows the build date.

 

Thank you, well I'm going to do further research, the dash is the newer type plus it looks lower on 17" wheels compared to a standard S-type on 17" wheels. This car also has the CATs suspension. so I'm not sure if this is a good thing or bad thing.

Its being sold as a sports model but dealer has no idea - which is good for me.

I am going to have a closer look tomorrow or friday as I might be driving away a S-type. Wish me luck.

 

Here is the 04 UK literature. Not much changed from the first refresh to 04. You can see all the "stuff" in the sport..

http://www.jag-lovers.org/brochures/...-02-15-04.html

Oh, and the sport is much more common in Europe and the UK than it is in North America....If it checks out, go for it.

 

I've been responding to the OP named Grip. Who are you?

 

The 2002.5 series started from VIN M44998, and the first 4.2 engine (a SC) was VIN45000