fHighlights
- Engine rebuild, restoration and rally preparation
- A powerful straight-six continental tourer
- 3.8-litre fixed head coupé with competition history
The Appeal
This delightful XK150 surely ticks most of the boxes for a long-distance tourer, capable of being used in competition and with a proven record as a rally winner. Victory in the Endurance Rally Association’s 2009 London to Casablanca Rally shows how successful this car is.
Travelling far and wide, this car has been used extensively throughout Europe and Morocco, so it has certainly proved itself as a wise choice for endurance events.
A bulging history file accompanies the car, detailing its restoration and rally preparation, including a full engine rebuild to fast road specification. This will give its next owner the peace of mind to be able to use this Jaguar as originally intended: gracefully crossing continents with ease while cutting a rakish image.
The History and Paperwork
- Enormous history file detailing servicing and preparation work
- Featured in Jaguar Driver, May 2021
- Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate confirming it as built in 1960
- Owner’s Workshop Manual, and Operating, Maintenance and Service Handbook
- Includes a £4,000 invoice from Twyford Moors, XK Specialists
The Interior
- Leather in fantastic condition, having been retrimmed
- Comfortable fixed head coupe with 2+2 seating
- Brantz trip meter and other rally preparation
You might be forgiven for expecting this car, which has seen success as an international endurance rally winner, to exhibit battle scars from its competition days. But its interior has that warm glow of use, rather than abuse. It certainly doesn’t give any clue that it has been driven competitively across the Sahara Desert.
Having benefited from a retrim, the headlining is in good condition, clean and tight, the carpets look excellent and the leather looks fantastic. There is just a small amount of reported scuffing to the bolster of the driver’s seat, as is to be expected from a car which has been used and enjoyed.
Rally preparation included a bolt-in half roll-cage (not currently fitted), fire extinguisher, electrical cut-out, and discreetly hidden Brantz 2 rally trip-meter and timer stowed neatly in the navigator’s glovebox. The navigator is also provided with a foot brace and map light. Two four point harnesses are fitted as well as child seatbelts in the rear of the 2+2 cabin.
The boot is commodious and well trimmed, with a full size wire spoked spare wheel and tools hidden discreetly under the floor.
The Exterior
- Purposeful road presence
- Wire wheels
- Paintwork has survived in remarkably good condition
The opalescent silver blue paintwork makes this XK150 stand out from the crowd, without being garish. It retains a deep lustre despite being a well-travelled vehicle, but there are a few of the inevitable minor chips and scratches, which do not detract from the overall condition of the vehicle.
Some rally-specific additions to the car include fixed towing points front and rear, driving lamps with wire mesh stoneguards, a rear-mounted luggage rack, leather bonnet straps and sump guards. This Jaguar certainly looks comfortable in its current guise as a long distance rally car.
The vendor reports that chassis repairs were carried out by Twyford Moors in 2010 and that the chassis and underside have been rust treated and undersealed.
All four painted wire wheels are said to be in good condition, with one exhibiting a few dents to its rim. The tyres have a good amount of tread left. Some pitting is present on the wing mirrors and there is a small dent in the front grille. Overall, though it's a fine looking coupe that will stand out from the crowd wherever it goes.
The Mechanics
- Extensive work carried out by specialists
- 3.8-litre engine rebuilt and tuned
- Upgraded disc brakes and callipers
Jaguar’s legendary XK engine was remarkably long-lived, being released in 1948 and remaining in production until 1992. The 3.8-litre version of this engine seen here is said to run very nicely, with no problems reported, other than the standard Jaguar oil drip from its rear, accelerating smoothly and powerfully.
In 2016 a modern 5-speed gearbox was fitted, along with a new clutch and lightened flywheel, bringing the driving experience a little more up to date. Upgraded brake discs and callipers have also been fitted.
The vendor states that a restoration was carried out by The Carriage Works, a Jaguar specialist, in 2003 and subsequent work has been undertaken by Twyford Moors, including an engine rebuild to fast road spec.
Summary
If you are looking for a proven, capable endurance rally car, this XK150 offers a fantastic opportunity to get into the world of long-distance rallying with the minimum of hassle.
Alternatively you could happily jump in and set course for a thoroughly enjoyable drive to the French Riviera. The XK150’s understated styling belies the fact that this car is extremely capable on both road and track.
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