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 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.

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 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.

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.