A remarkable discovery has stunned car enthusiasts in Belgium: a 1964 Jaguar S-Type, hidden beneath an abandoned chip shop’s concrete floor in Kessel Lo, Leuven, has resurfaced after more than 40 years.

The Astonishing Discovery

What started as a routine inspection by a 42-year-old antique dealer turned into an automotive mystery. While checking the abandoned store’s basement, he noticed an unusual cavity beneath the floor. After removing layers of tile and concrete, an iconic British sedan appeared—forgotten by time and unknown to local residents.

None of the neighbors remembered the car, deepening the mystery.

The Recovery Operation

The Jaguar wasn’t simply stored underground—it had been buried in a custom-built pit, sealed with concrete. Extracting it was a challenge:

• Wooden structures had to be built to lift the vehicle carefully.
• The moisture and neglect over decades made the process risky.
• Despite missing parts, the body remained relatively intact.

Condition of the Jaguar

• Missing the hood and its original 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine.
• The cream-colored body, though weathered, still showcases the elegant design that made the S-Type a 1960s classic.

Estimated Value 💰

Experts are already evaluating the car’s worth. Even in its incomplete state, the Jaguar holds impressive financial potential.

Condition	Estimated Value
Current state (missing parts, unrestored)	$15,800 – $22,000
Fully restored (with original engine & parts)	≈ $67,000

(Converted from Brazilian reais to U.S. dollars)

Legal & Historical Questions

Before restoration or sale, ownership must be clarified. Although the shop was abandoned, there may still be a rightful owner. Authorities are investigating the Jaguar’s legal status.

More Than Just a Car

Beyond its market value, this story represents the hidden layers of history within urban spaces. The Jaguar’s reappearance is not just about an old car—it’s a reminder that cities hold forgotten treasures waiting to be uncovered.

For now, the future of this elegant sedan remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the Jaguar S-Type’s legacy has been reborn, sparking curiosity worldwide.