1958 Jaguar XK150 DHC

Highlights

  • Upgraded to 3.8-litre ‘S’ spec
  • c.£45,000 spent on restoration
  • Electric power steering conversion
  • Upgraded disc brakes
  • Body resto and interior retrim
  • Huge history file

The Appeal

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, and the split windscreen replaced by a repositioned single-piece item, with plenty more power under the hood. 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 model we have here has a fascinating history, backed up by a massive paperwork file. Originally a LHD 3.4 model, today it’s a RHD 3.8 – its current specification the result of around £45,000 of work, as itemised in the documentation. Fitted with a reconditioned 3.8 ‘S’-spec engine and professionally converted to right-hand-drive, it’s been fitted with electric power steering, and over £1,400 was spent on upgrading the disc brakes.

A reconditioned Jaguar XJ6 manual synchromesh gearbox was fitted, with overdrive controlled by a dash-mounted switch. The chassis has been galvanised, a fresh mohair hood sourced from Germany, the carburettors rebuilt and tuned on the rolling road, and the electrical system revamped with an alternator, electronic ignition and battery cut-off switch.

It gleams like a new pin too, with a lovely repaint in British Racing Green complemented by refurbished chrome trim and stainless steel wire wheels. With a full interior retrim, it’s a lovely place to be and an equally lovely machine to drive. Classic style, modern performance.
 
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The History and Paperwork

  • Itemised list of parts and work for restoration (c.£45,000)
  • Assorted invoices for work and maintenance from Abington Services
  • Photographs of restoration work
    • 2020 – invoice for £3,693 – fitment of electric power steering, attention to suspension, carburettors rebuilt, rolling road tune, etc
    • 2010 – invoice for £957 – new stainless steel wire wheels
    • 2005 – invoice for £2,900 – new carpets, hood bag and trim panels
    • 2003 – invoice for £1,555 – interior retrim
    • 2002 – invoice for £2,031 – rebuild steering rack and convert to RHD
    • 2001 – invoice for £2,100 – refurbishment of bumpers and grille, etc
    • 1997 – invoice for £3,647 – eradication of corrosion, cavity wax, and repaint in British Racing Green
    • 1995 – invoice for £13,020 – body restoration by Classic Parts & Panels Ltd
  • Lots of further invoices for restoration, servicing and maintenance

The Interior

  • Beautifully retrimmed seats, dash and doorcards
  • Carpets replaced
The interior retrim has been carried out to a very high standard, and the results are delightful. The cabin is well presented throughout, 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.

There’s an overdrive switch on the dash for the XJ6 gearbox that’s been fitted. It's all dry and tidy inside the boot, and the side vents down by the driver’s and passenger’s legs pop open as they should.

The Exterior

  • Fully body resto and repaint
  • Galvanised chassis
We can see from the history file that this restoration has been carried out at a steady pace from 1989 to the present day – and while the body restoration was carried out in the 1990s, it still presents wonderfully today with terrific paint and all panels straight and true. British Racing Green is the perfect accompaniment to those elegant 1950s lines, and the quality of the paintwork is very good with no marks or blemishes. The light lenses and window glass are all good, and all of the chrome trim has been refurbished and truly gleams. The car is fitted with stainless steel wire wheels which look excellent and are fitted with Blockley tyres on the front and Vredestein Classics on the rear.

The mohair hood is clearly a high-quality item, as it feels solid in its construction and latches correctly with super fitment, and stows neatly in its tonneau with no need to stretch it to fit.

Underneath, as the photos demonstrate, the car looks to be pleasingly solid, thanks to the chassis having been galvanised. 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, and it’s all beautifully presented.

The Mechanicals

  • 3.8-litre S engine
  • XJ6 synchro gearbox with overdrive
The XK150 offers a robust and engaging mechanical package, serving up entertaining performance along with a supremely smooth ride. The engine fitted to this car is a rebuilt 3.8-litre triple-carbed unit, offering ‘S’ specification performance, and this is mated to the all-synchro overdrive ’box from an XJ6. 

A large amount of money was spent upgrading the disc brakes, and they really are the most urgent brakes we’ve ever experienced on an XK. The addition of electric power steering is another element that makes this car so very usable and stress-free to drive. The engine further benefits from a Kenlowe fan and electronic ignition, making this a practical and dependable everyday driver.

 Summary

The genius of this XK150 is that it’s so very usable. The presentation inside and out is outstanding and no stone has been left unturned in the pursuit of aesthetic splendour, but the beauty here is far more than skin-deep. The mechanical package has been put together to make the car highly practical, enjoyable and dependable for regular use – the sweetly tuned engine with its electronic ignition runs like a dream, and the Kenlowe fan ensures it keeps its cool in traffic. The XJ6 synchromesh gearbox saves you the usual XK leg-ache around town, with overdrive for long-distance cruising. It really is a sublime package.



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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.
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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1958
  • Make Jaguar
  • Model XK150 DHC
  • Colour British Racing Green
  • Odometer 10,050 Miles
  • Engine size 3800cc
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Trade
  • Town Wandsworth
  • Location London
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
23 bids
  • Do•••• £85,000 31/05/23
  • wa•••• £84,000 31/05/23
  • Do•••• £82,000 31/05/23
  • sc•••• £80,000 31/05/23
  • Do•••• £77,000 31/05/23
  • co•••• £75,000 31/05/23
  • Do•••• £73,000 31/05/23
  • wa•••• £70,000 31/05/23
  • Do•••• £67,000 31/05/23
  • wa•••• £65,000 31/05/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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