1958 XK150 DHC
Jaguar Heritage Certificate No. 40253
Manufactured 8 Sep 1958 and exported to Independent Motor Sales, Wellington, New Zealand:
This car had been restored approximately twenty years ago and was in the Museum of Wearable Art, Nelson, New Zealand. She was purchased and exported to the UK in 2014. Several upgrades were carried out and numerous rallies attended before realising that the engine, which had not been restored, required a complete overhaul. This was carried out in 2016 and the car was used very little until 2021. At this time there were a couple of rust runs and small bubbles in the otherwise very good paintwork. The decision was made to respray, which was carried out meticulously, over a two year period and included underseal. The rather glaring arctic white was changed to a correct ‘50s Jaguar Old English White.
She is now in excellent mechanical and bodywork condition.
2014-2015
Invoices for £10800 -
including wiper motor and gear, s/ s exhaust, brake servo, 123 ignition,
suspension rubbers plus top & bottom ball joints
2016
Engine totally rebuilt by Ian Mcpherson & Son Ltd (recommended by ex BAe MD with an XK140), Prestwich, Manchester (now retired). Included refurbished block (3. 8 from Mk2) and head. Car has had second, post rebuild oil change after 2000 miles and little use since.
2021-2023
Invoices for £18100
2 year work to respray in Old English White
Rechroming as necessary
All seals and rubbers replaced
Wire wheels refurbished by MWS
Brake discs and pads renewed
Fuel tank pressure tested
Steering wheel refurbished
I'd always loved the XK and had had one briefly (allegedly ex Peter Sellers) but couldn't afford the £300 to get her on the road. Forty years later, I was visiting a friend in New Zealand in 2014 and he took me to the Museum of Wearable Art where the Jaguar was residing. I mentioned my previous brief ownership and was told the car was for sale. Two weeks of driving around South Island and thinking of little else had me make the decision.
Her first owner was believed to be in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
Her second owner, also RNZAF, had been a prisoner in Stalagluft III and it was he who fitted the 3. 8 engine vice the original 3. 4.
He took the car to South Africa for a rally but it was damaged after he rolled it. Some years later, the car was completely restored by Willie Newman, a 'skilled panel man' in Nelson.
The third owner (in 2001 approx) restored the car but died shortly after. I'm the fourth owner (and happen to be ex RAF).
Sadly, the weather in Scotland does not allow for both hood-down driving and sailing. Sailing has become the priority and now that she's been brought to excellent condition, she really needs to be owned by someone who'll drive her more regularly.
