The XK150 represents the zenith of an impressive model line. Jaguar’s first post-war sports car, the XK120 of 1948, featured an all-new six-cylinder engine wrapped up within a slinky and sylph-like roadster body. The awed reception of the public was more than enough to convince William Lyons that putting the model into production would be a positive idea, and the addition of the number ‘120’ into the name served to further tantalise and enrapture – after all, the figure referred to the car’s top speed, and that was a mightily impressive claim in the late-forties. Indeed, it made it the fastest production car in the world.
A fixed-head coupe version arrived in 1951, and in ’54 the model evolved into the XK140, with improved suspension and brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and more interior space. This was followed three years later by the XK150, which appeared visually similar but was radically evolved: the body was more streamlined, the split windscreen replaced by a repositioned single-piece item, and the new ‘B-type’ cylinder head raised power to 190bhp – or 210bhp in uprated SE spec. With motorsport prowess working hand-in-hand with boulevardier chic, this highly evolved model of the XK oeuvre represents a truly thrilling and desirable prospect today.
The example we have here was repatriated to England in 2017, having previously lived in the United States. Documentation in the history file tells us that it was owned by a couple in Colorado; on arriving in the UK, we’re told that it was fully restored by a father-and-son team, and there’s extensive photographic evidence in the file to demonstrate just how in-depth the work was.
Beautifully presented inside, outside and underneath, and joyful to drive, this really is a lovely example – and being the more powerful SE spec, it’s highly desirable. And crucially, it’s believed to be a matching-numbers car; there’s no Heritage certificate to verify, but the serial numbers on the documentation match those on the car.
The History and Paperwork
Correct V5 – showing it to be a 1958 car, first UK-registered on 01/02/2017, zero former UK keepers
Copious printed photographs of restoration work
Documentation of former ownership in Colorado, USA
Previously owned by Donald A Klein, a prominent American Scientist and inventor
Assorted invoices for parts
The Interior
Beautifully retrimmed seats, dash and doorcards
New carpets
The cabin is very well presented, with the seats tastefully retrimmed and carpets replaced. The front seats tilt correctly to allow access to the 2+2 rear seats. The dash-top and doorcards have been retrimmed, all of the gauges are functional, and the four-spoke steering wheel is in good order with very little wear.
It's all right and proper inside the boot too: a new mat covers the load bay, and the lift-up false floor raises and latches correctly, revealing a spare wire wheel.
The Exterior
Full bare-metal restoration
All trim present and correct
This classic shade of green is the perfect accompaniment to those elegant 1950s lines, and the quality of the paintwork is very good indeed – we find no marks or blemishes, the fresh paint presents extremely well. The light lenses and window glass are all good, and all of the chrome trim is present and correct, wearing a gentle patina but in good overall condition. The knock-off wire wheels look great and wear matching tyres with decent tread.
Underneath, as the photos demonstrate, the car looks to be pleasingly solid. The overall impression with this XK150 is one of class and style; it’s certainly a car that attracted a lot of attention during our photoshoot.
The Mechanicals
Desirable (and more powerful) SE model
Smooth runner, very enjoyable to drive
The XK150 offers a robust and engaging mechanical package, serving up entertaining performance along with a supremely smooth ride. We can see from the history file that this car has recently been treated to a full restoration, and it certainly drives like it.
The engine fires easily and idles evenly, pulling keenly through the revs with the transmission shifting cleanly. The brakes feel strong and the ride is as smooth as you’d expect. An absolutely lovely Jaguar to drive, and it’s very recently passed its MOT with no advisories.
Summary
The allure of this magnificent Jaguar really speaks for itself. Impeccably stylish, mechanically robust, enjoyable to drive – it’s a car that looks terrific, and drives as well as it looks. There’s a reassuring history file to back up this car’s restoration, and a huge amount of time and love has evidently been invested to get it to the condition it’s in today. As Sir William Lyons would have had it: grace, space and pace.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1958 Jaguar XK150 SE (LHD)
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.
