When I purchased my S-Type about three years ago, the basis for my selection was fairly simple (1) it had to be a non-supercharged V8; and (2) it had to be relatively cheap. As time has passed, however, I’ve begun to suspect that, in an Australian context at least, the car I ended up buying may be a very unusual beast indeed. I am hoping that the Aussie contingent of Forum Members can give me some indication of the rarity or otherwise of my car.
Background Information:
2005 model line-up in Australia
A newspaper review written in October 2004 (http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/launched-jaguar-s-type-8464) stated that Jaguar Australia had simplified its model line-up to just four models: a choice of two V6s (SE and Luxury), a Luxury V8 plus the S-Type R. Thus the only sports model was supposedly the supercharged STR. My car, built in February 2005, has the following VIN: SAJAC03RX5HN09738.The 03 designation indicates a sports model. During the 12 months I followed ‘Cars Guide’ before I found my car, I never once saw a non-supercharged unit with such a designation.
AluminiumSports Package
The forum post entitled ‘“Sport Packge” Identification?’ lists the inclusions that came with the American ‘Aluminum Sport Package’. This lists such things as the aluminium trim, 18 inch Triton wheels, 12.5 inch discs, perforated seats etc. That is consistent with my car, but apart from the Grill insert, there is no chrome at all on my car, which contradicts the sports package description.





Another contradiction from the specification of the Aluminum sports package is that my car has CATS suspension. Before anybody questions this, I proved the point by inadvertently disabling the CATS system. Both the dashboard display and the car’s harsh ride told me in no uncertain terms that CATS was turned off. The car also has the high intensity lighting system, six stack CD and adaptive cruise control.
The Myth of the 2005 Melbourne Motor Show
I am the third owner of the car. The first owner told the second one that the car was a ‘Stand Car’ at the 2005 Melbourne International Motor Show, which is why it was different. The dates are consistent with the build date for the car, but there is one minor problem: I found some photos of the 2005 Show stand. It had a white car with a leaper and a grey STR. No sign of my car. Did they have other cars on hand to use as on-road demonstrators?


So folks, any ideas of how many post-2004, non-STR sports models were brought to Australia? Is my car an unusual configuration?

 

It wouldn't be the first time a car article was somewhat confused/wrong/incomplete.

 

I think the CATS on a non ST-R is pretty unusual. So there may be some peculiarities about your car. Does it have chrome side mirrors? Those were, also, only ST-Rs, I believe. At least until my '08 V8 Satin Edition (one of the last 750 made) where they seemed to be using up all the parts they had left in the bin.
================================================== =
You dreamed of a big star -
He played a mean guitar -
He loved to drive his Jaguar...

So welcome to the machine

 

Roger, PM me your VIN, I'll look it up.

 

Cambo,


Showing my ignorance, how do I do a PM reply?

 

Mirrors are colour match to the car.

 

Build date: 10-Feb-2004
Model: S-TYPE / X200
Selling Retailer: J9211
Model year: 2005
Warranty start date: 26-Apr-2005

Assembly plant* Castle Bromwich
Body style* Saloon
Carpet Trim Flint grey
Check digit* X
Cruise control Adaptive speed control
Doors* 4 door
Emission control number ECS 15
Emission group* emission C
Engine codes* AJ33 V8
Engine variant* 4.2 Litre Engine
variant* 4.2 Litre naturally aspirated
Fuel type* Petrol
General phrases base security
Headlining Trim Champagne
Light features auto headlamp levelling
Market specification* Base spec
Model code* X200
Model year/change* 2005 MY
Options headlamp powerwash
Options sunroof
Phone/voice control equipment* voice activated controls
Seat Belt Trim Warm charcoal
Steering* RHD Transmission (Auto / Manual)* automatic
ransmission (FWD/RWD/AWD)* rear wheel drive
Trim series* Sport series
World Manufacturer Identifier Jaguar

Marketing Level 1
With Electronic Stability Control
Less Warning Display
Less Console Cup Holder
Less Rear Cupholders
With Interior Aluminium Pack
Fixed Foot Pedals
Front Floor Carpet Mats
Rear Floor Carpet Mats
Less Spoiler
With Electrochromic R/View Mirror
4 Door Saloon
Less Ski Bag Provision
With Split Fold-Down Rear Seat
With Driver 8 Way Pwr.Seat Adjuster
With Pass 6 Way Power Seat Adjuster
315 MHZ Door Lock Frequency
With Headlamp Washer
Power Tilt/Slide Sun Roof
With Aluminium Spare Wheel
With Conventional Spare Tyre
Less Immersion Heater
Super Sport Suspension
4.2L Damb NA V8 Gas AJV8-Jag
For Unleaded Fuel
Fuel Tank Filler Neck - Unleaded
Sport/Leather Steering Wheel
With Adaptive Speed Control
Less Tyre Inflation Monitor
Less Navigation System
Less Message Centre
Less Navigation Disk
With Reverse Proximity Sensor
With Perimeter Anti-Theft
Less Interior Scanning Alarm
With CD Player Autochanger
Single Slot CD Player
Less Telephone
Less Telephone Preparation Pack
Less Television
Voice Activated Module - Australian
Less Garage Door Opener
Less Style Pack
High Intensity Discharge Headlamp
With Front Fog Lamps
With Automatic Headlamp Levelling
Ultraviolet Metallic
6 Speed Auto ZF 6HP26 Steptronic
Jaguar X200
Series 35

It's fairly highly spec'd for sure; adaptive cruise, voice, Xenons, CATS, but no phone???

 

Not only no phone - NO CUP HOLDERS!