Highlights

A great looking example of the XK Convertible in bright and eye-catching Salsa Red
Part of the original Jaguar press car fleet and, hence, awash with extras
Complete with a full maintenance history and a rare and unusual backstory
MOT until September
New Admesh Exhaust (Quad pipe) currently not fitted but included in the sale
New battery fitted for the sale

The Appeal

The Jaguar XK in X150 form was Jaguar’s second and last iteration of its sophisticated and able two door coupe and convertible. The X150 launched for the 2006 model year and featured a sleek Ian Callum design with plenty of nods to Jaguar’s illustrious past as sports car makers of renown. Not least amongst these was the grill mounted badge as an evocative reminder of its iconic E-Type forebear. Although longer and wider than the XK8, the X150’s all aluminium construction made weight savings of almost 100KG.

With the first production X150 bearing the chassis number suffix 379 and now in the care of the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, this car bears an 080 suffix. That, accompanying paperwork and the VX55 registration number prefix, mark this car out as a pre-production model built to become part of Jaguar’s press car fleet. As such the car seems to have every option box emphatically ticked and presents in glorious, eye-catching and rare Salsa Red.

The History and Paperwork

This X150 was only the second Jaguar to hail from the, then, new Castle Bromwich factory
This car was manufactured there on the 17th October 2005
It is thought to be number 80 of 200 preproduction cars produced for various roles
This example was destined for the Jaguar Press Car fleet
It was first registered in November 2005 and allocated a VX55 prefix registration number
This was a prefix often allocated to press and Jaguar owned cars
The car is thought to have remained on the fleet until July 2006
Between then and 2020 the XK passed through the hands of five keepers
The XK is compete with some fascinating provenance providing paperwork
The current V5 and MOT of are, of course, present
The latter is advisory free and valid until September 2024
A Heritage Certificate is also included for the XK
This notes the car as an official Jaguar press fleet car
A Jaguar shipping certificate is also present dating from 2006
This is thought to note the car’s departure from the press fleet
The original book pack and accompanying folder is present
This includes the original service book
This contains 16 service stamps with dates and mileages
These cover mileages from 15,330 to 116,248 miles
The service book also notes the car’s press fleet past
The remainder of the archive consists of many maintenance invoices
A sample of these have been photographed with many others included

The Interior

The XK features a fully original interior in an excellent condition
The cabin is sumptuously trimmed in Warm Charcoal leather
The front seats are electrically heated and feature 16-way electrical adjustment
A memory function for both front seats is also present
The condition of both seats is excellent overall
A very small amount of wear can be seen on the driver’s side bolster
This seems very minor and is photographed for your review
The rear, occasional, seats are in an excellent condition
The dark cabin carpets appear to be in an excellent condition throughout, too
These have been protected with a set of Jaguar inscribed over-mats
The dashboard is finished in complimentary stitched leather
The centre panel is formed from panels of brushed alloy
The twin gauges and central display screen are set into a hooded binnacle
These site ahead of the original, three spoke multifunctional steering wheel
The centre console houses the large infotainment screen and other controls
The screen manages functions of the audio system and satellite navigation
Other functions are accessed here too
The audio system is an upgraded Alpine item with in-dash 6 CD stacker
Many other driver aides and refinements are fitted
These include active cruise control and electrically adjustable steering column
Keyless entry and electrically folding mirrors are also present
The good-sized boot appears pristine
The under-floor area houses spare wheel and tools
Overall condition is excellent with just a couple of minor marks evident
A split door rubber was noted and photographed
Some minor marks to the top rear panel coverings, likewise

The Exterior

This XK looks fantastic in its original factory hue of Salsa Red
This is a much rarer colourway for the X150 but suits the car’s personality perfectly
Although this is the car’s original colour it has been resprayed in its previous ownership
This was only due to some fading of the original paint rather than any damage
The panels all exude a deep and lustrous shine with a deep and even finish
Cabin glass and light lenses are all clear, undamaged and un-fogged
The hood is finished in black fabric and thought to be original
Some surface marks were noted where the fabric folds once stowed
The hood operates quickly and smoothly on the push of the button
The XK sits on the optional 20-inch Senta split rim alloy wheels
These appear to be in a fine overall condition
Just one small rim scrape was noted to the nearside rear wheel (photographed)
These are shod with a matching set of staggered tyres
These are 285/30s to the rear and 255/35s to the fronts

The Mechanics

The XK features the well respected 4.2L AJ34 V8 Jaguar engine
This smooth and muscular unit was originally rated at a shade under 300bhp
This was combined with a peak torque figure of 310Ib-ft at 4,500 rpm
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a six speed ZF automatic transmission
In original form this combination was good for a 5.5 second 0-60 mph time
It is clear from this car’s accompanying paperwork that maintenance has been exemplary
The full-service history is accompanied by reams of high value maintenance invoices
The current owner attests to the car running and driving superbly
He comments that the air conditioning may benefit from a re-gas
Otherwise, no known mechanical issues were reported

Summary

The X150 Jaguar is a fondly remembered model hailing from a time when Jaguar had vastly modernised their manufacturing capabilities and were looking forward with enthusiasm and positivity. The X150 encapsulates that positivity and progression perfectly. Today, many see this fine Jaguar as a viable, value for money alternative to Aston Martins of a similar vintage, offering a similar ethos and package at a fraction of the cost.

This example offers some fascinating and rare provenance as we have seen. More than that, however, it is a beautifully maintained and presented example with an amazing specification. It has clearly been well-loved and cared for at all stages of its history and is now ready for its next lucky owner. A rare XK ownership opportunity surely not to be missed.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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