Well there has been a little progress with my burnt curry smelling S-Type. After much looking, searching testing and trying I think I've ruled out any transmission faults (well obvious ones); instead now the focus is on the header tank and cooling system! I went over the car top to bottom and noticed the coolant header tank has dropped a little; I can't remember exactly where it was when I purchased the car but I seem to remember it being 'normal'...today it isn't.

SO...fingers crossed it's just a cracked header tank or leaking pipe. I'm going to attempt a slightly more detailed investigation tomorrow; it's going in for a compression test on Tuesday. I'm just hoping it isn't a head gasket issue. I believe these engines aren't prone to such issues but can't rule it out on that basis. All I can say is so far I've seen no evidence on exhaust steam on startup, the oil and coolant seem lovely and clean (no goo to speak of). The temperature has stayed constantly at 1200 for the 150 miles I've driven the car.

Why is buying a car so exciting but the first few weeks so stressful?

Not sure what else to check so it's fingers crossed and easy driving until Tuesday.

Other than that .... it's great :P