Highlights
- One of Jaguar’s true icons
- Thorough mechanical rebuild in 1995 and 2019
- Well-sorted road rally car from experienced enthusiast
- Useful driving upgrades
The Appeal
Surely one of the most sublime shapes Jaguar has ever produced, the XK 150 in all its forms has poise, power (especially with the 3.8-litre engine as here) and charisma in abundance. There’s substance behind the good looks too; the car has been rebuild twice, with a full restoration by Jaguar specialist Twyford Motors in 1995 and a further, largely mechanical rebuild by IK Classics of Holmfirth in 2019.
Originally a US-export car, converted to right hand-drive on its return to the UK in 1991. Aimed squarely at the driving enthusiast, the car has been equipped with a Getrag five-speed gearbox to go with that fully-fettled 3.8. Also electronic ignition is fitted to help you get underway more easily, and electronic power steering is on hand to help you tackle the Alpine S-bends a little more smoothly.
The History and Paperwork
- Restoration of 1995 documented
- Comprehensive itemised invoice for rebuild of 2019
- Complete and thorough service record from 2008
All the restoration work and upgrades are comprehensively documented in the Jaguar’s extensive history file. There are some bills that will make you wince, both from Twyford Motors in the Nineties, and from IK Classics three years ago. However, you can read for yourself and rest assured that the XK has had a sound mechanical fettling, with extensive suspension and engine work undertaken.
Its service history since being bought by the present owner (2008) is also thorough and extensive. It’s reassuring to see what kind of custodians the big cat has had through its life time, especially since its return to the UK.
The Interior
- Original interior
- Lovely figured dashboard
- Quality after-market period steering wheel
The rich red of the interior appears all the more vivid, surrounded as it is by the deep blue of the bodywork. The seats are quite presentable but certainly show the patina of the years with some cracks, creases and fading to the cushions, but still retain all of their shape and support.
The carpets – floor and transmission tunnel) remain pretty good and retain all of their colour, and the mats too are in good condition with neat edges. The edges of the fabric of the door and windscreen surrounds is worn and faded, but the rubber seals are good.
Door cards are a very vivid red and the chromed fixtures are firmly fitted and retain a good shine, as does the handbrake. The steering wheel is an (older) aftermarket item, its highly polished wood rim, retaining a good gloss, while the veneer of the dashboard behind retains a rich colour and good figuring in the grain. The lacquer is cracked in places, but the effect remains very pleasing.
The cabin might not do well on the concourse lawn, but it is a comfortable and quite invigorating space in which to go touring.
The Exterior
- Older respray still in good shape
- Chrome bright and rust-free
- Soft top in sound condition
‘Indigo blue’ is a colour that suits these cars well and this example is no exception. The paintwork retains a good deep gloss across the whole of the car. There are a few small scuffs on some edges, but no corrosion, and the overall effect remains very pleasing. Panel fit is good with shut lines reassuringly narrow. Doors open without sagginf and the bonnet without creaking.
The chrome on the Jaguar remains an eye-catching feature. It has a deep shine with no areas of discolouration. There are a couple of small areas of very light pitting, but nothing of concern. Joins and folds in the metal are crisp and clean and the centre strip running up the bonnet is straight and firmly mounted – as is the Jaguar leaping confidently from the nose of the car.
The soft top is in very good condition, showing no rips or frayed edges. It’s back window remains uncreased and the roof deploys swiftly and smoothly. Folded down, the tonneau is likewise sound and press-studs down easily.
The Mechanics
- Recently rebuilt engine and carburettors
- New suspension bushes in 2022
- Very solid underneath
- Comes with supply of touring spares
The 3.8-litre straight-six has the dull ‘taking care of business’ lustre of a well-fettled engine. It might not gleam like that of a trailer queen, but the bolts, washers and jubilee clips are grime and corrosion free, most all being attended to in recent adjustment. Hoses and leads appear new and supple, the (recently rebuilt) carburettors are clean and the engine as a whole shows no signs of leaks. The radiator looks good, and notice too that there is a big Kenlowe fan up front.
The underside of the Jaguar looks hugely robust; chassis rails, outriggers, box sections and spring hangers appear sturdy, corrosion-free and nicely weather sealed. Sills are solid and the fuel tank sound. The boot cavity it sound and you’ll find a good quantity of spares there – including belts and a brand new alternator.
Those tasty wire wheels are clean, free of pitting and sport straight spokes with shiny brake discs behind. They are shod with good tyres with plenty of tread.
Summary
XKs broadly divide into two camps; those taking the trailer queen/concours path, and those equipped and fettled as drivers’ cars. This example falls firmly into the latter group, and for any enthusiast eager to join the classic touring circuit, this car is the real deal.
Very robust, thoughtfully upgraded and thoroughly well sorted, the Jaguar is very attractive and presentable despite a few well-thumbed edges – mainly in the interior. It is the kind of car you can jump in and drive to Vienna, knowing it will get you there and back performing beautifully and looking fabulous. To the new owner, our advice might be; don’t bring a trailer.
Very robust, thoughtfully upgraded and thoroughly well sorted, the Jaguar is very attractive and presentable despite a few well-thumbed edges – mainly in the interior. It is the kind of car you can jump in and drive to Vienna, knowing it will get you there and back performing beautifully and looking fabulous. To the new owner, our advice might be; don’t bring a trailer.
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