I'm trying to figure out if my car is a "sport" version or not...

Can I tell by the VIN? I have a 2003 S-Type V8 4.2L.

Thanks for any info.

 

Call Jaguar Corporate U.S. Customer Service with your VIN and ask. They should be able to look up your original invoice document and tell you. It's (800) 452-4827.

 

Can you post a picture or two of your car? The sport trim option had body color exterior trim and grill surround.

Here is a ebay add for a V6 Sport.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-...item27acb9419a

The pictures are a little rough, but should give you an idea.

 

The Sport should also have aluminium instead of wood trim.

 

I have a 3.0 2003 Sport with a 5 speed manual. The differences are body colored exterior trim (no chrome), 17 inch wheels, larger diameter front brake rotors, slightly stiffer suspension, firmer bolstering on seats, and slightly different wood trim in the interior. I presume that these differences would carry over to the v8 models.

 

Ah Delta, there is a difference from across the pond. The Aluminum Trim was a separate option that was introduced in 05 in North America. The Aluminum trim is extremely rare here. I have only seen one, and that one was for sale on ebay. I've never seen one in person...

Here is the Jaguar North America press release for the 2005 S Type... Kind of a cool read....

 

Pretty interesting read Jeff. I did see one Sport model with the Aluminum trim when I was shopping around. However, they do seem to be rather rare. Like you said, there are differences between what is available in the UK vs the North American markets. The biggest difference is the UK market has a wider selection of engines, most notably the diesels. Delta, I believe that comprises around 50% of the Jaguar market, but you probably can answer that better.

Mike

 

Thanks Jeff. Makes me think I need to upgrade my 04 LOL

 

Mike I dont know the proportion of diesels to petrols. Diesel prices are now consistently higher than petrol, so the cost savings are not as great.

Jeff, that is a great read, I had no idea that there were so many changes.

I like the look of the aluminium trim, but I do not like the feel. It feels like plastic when you tap it.

Another feature I am sure differentiates the Sport model is the black plastic grill, as opposed to the chrome mesh.

 

Thanks Delta,

When the weather warms up (like next spring) I plan on taking the cheapskate route of painting my grill zircon to match the body color. I'd like to see how that works out before painting the bumpers. As a side note, Thermo painted his X-Type pieces and it came out pretty good.

Mike

 

Mike,

Can I talk you out of that? Don't detract from a classic-looking beauty by screwing up the nose of your car....

 

Hi Jon,

There's plenty of time since spring is usually rainy and crappy here. I'm also looking into getting a mesh grill so I can swap them out for a variety of looks. Nothing really firm yet though. I'd like to do a practice paint run on some junk before trying it out for real.

Mike

 

Swapping out grills like changing your shoes? Man, you must be obsessive/compulsive about wanting to vary the look of your vehicle....

 

I think I have too much time on my hands. You think that's bad, there's a guy with a Triumph Bonneville with two sets of tanks and body work. Two entirely different paint schemes.

Mike