Description
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Sandown Park | Esher, Surrey
Viewing: Wed 9th December from 12pm
Auction Thursday, December 10th: From 12:00pm (Noon)
Location: Portsmouth Road, Esher, Surrey KT10 9AJ UK
Registration No: YDA 779
Chassis No: T824842DN
MOT: Exempt
Supplied new by Charles Attwood Ltd of Wolverhampton to William Edwards Brettell-Vaughan Esq.
Treated to an extensive restoration in 2010 and a thorough engine overhaul during 2014-2015
‘Matching numbers’ straight port cylinder head and period replacement 3. 8 litre block
Current ownership since 2016 and the subject of over £15, 000 worth of fettling during that time by marque specialists Twyford Moors and Ken Bell
Sympathetically uprated with a Kenlowe fan, Lumenition electronic ignition and EZ power steering
The final iteration of the XK sportscar line and the last Jaguar to carry a separate chassis, the XK150 was introduced in May 1957. While its use of independent torsion-bar front suspension, a ‘live’ leaf-sprung rear axle and rack-and-pinion steering mirrored the practice of its XK140 predecessor, the new model benefited from the option of all-round Dunlop disc brakes (though, in practice very few – if any – cars were delivered with drum brakes). Stylistically, the newcomer was brought up-to-date with less ostentatious curves and a larger, wrap-around single piece windscreen. With the E-type still very much under development, Jaguar was keen to sustain the sporting reputation that a remarkable five Le Mans victories (1951, 1953, 1955, 1956 and 1957) had earned it.
Initially powered by a 3442cc derivative of the marque’s race-proven DOHC straight-six engine, the XK150 could be had in Standard, Special Equipment or ‘S’ tune. A high-performance package, the latter comprised a Harry Weslake-modified cylinder head, more aggressive camshaft profiling, high compression pistons and triple SU carburettors. Like its lesser siblings, the XK150 ‘S’ could be had in Fixed-Head Coupe, Open Two-Seater (Roadster) or Drophead Coupe guises. With a claimed 250hp on tap, the ‘S’ 3. 4 Litre cars were reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7. 4 seconds and 132mph. Among the rarest of all XK variants, total right-hand drive XK150 ‘S’ 3. 4 Fixed Head Coupe production is thought to have amounted to just 86 cars. Unsurprisingly, survivors are highly prized by collectors.
According to its accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, chassis T824842DN was built on April 3rd 1959 and supplied new via Charles Attwood of Wolverhampton to William Edwards Brettell-Vaughan Esq. of Brierley Hill. First registered as ‘YDA 779’ that same month, the XK150 S passed through the hands of dealers Richard Proctor and Jeremy Wade during the 1970s before being bought by A. Cuthbert Esq. who joined the Jaguar Drivers’ Club at the decade’s end. Belonging to Mr Cuthbert for some thirty years during which time it underwent a colour change and was upgraded with a larger 3. 8 litre engine block, the Fixed Head Coupe was acquired by C. Lewis Esq. in November 2009. Mr Lewis subjected the Fixed Head Coupe to an extensive nine-month restoration that reportedly encompassed the bodywork, paintwork, interior trim and much mechanical fettling. Sold by Eclectic Cars to H. L. Penny Esq. of Pretoria during 2011, the vendor repatriated ‘YDA 779’ five years later. Treated to a photographically documented engine overhaul whilst in South Africa, the Jaguar has since been entrusted to marque specialists K. J. C. Bell and Twyford Moors. The former attended to the carburettors, exhaust and speedometer etc (£1, 773), while the later fitted a refurbished steering rack with EZ power assistance, renewed the front / rear hubs and seals, sorted various wiring issues and set-up the suspension etc (£13, 698. 92).
Drawn to ‘YDA 779’ because his mother used to have a similar Jaguar XK150 S Fixed Head Coupe in period, the vendor has found himself driving it less and less in recent years (hence the reason for sale). Kept on trickle charge in a heated garage and not long fitted with a new clutch, the 2+2-seater started readily and ran well during our recent photography session (October 2026). Notably easy to maneouvre thanks to its power assisted steering, the Fixed Head Coupe’s last outing was to a local car show. The ‘straight port’ cylinder head bears the engine number shown on the Heritage Certificate (VS1941-9), while the block is thought to be a MKIX item. Variously rated by the seller as ‘very good overall’ (electrical equipment, four-speed manual plus overdrive transmission) or ‘excellent overall’ (engine, bodywork, paintwork, interior trim), this handsome and decidedly rare Big Cat is accompanied by a UK V5C Registration Document and history file.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
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