Description
An increasingly rare, unrestored and largely original example of the last of the famous Jaguar XK line. Built in May 1960, it is one of the final 135 fixed-head coupes to leave the factory. It is an SE spec model with the prized 3. 8 litre engine and manual gearbox, finished in Sherwood Green with Suede Green interior.
The car’s originality owes much to having spent the period 1991-2013 unused in a barn as part of a hoard of interesting old cars. It had apparently been parked up after the brakes failed and then forgotten. The new owner set out to put it back on the road while seeking to preserve as much of the original car as possible. The majority of surviving XKs have been extensively and expensively restored, to often better than new condition, but he was a firm believer in the mantra ‘it’s only original once’. It was soon running again but sadly the owner died before he could complete the project.
I purchased the car in 2014 and put it into regular use. A new set of MWS tubeless wire wheels was fitted shod with Avon Turbosteel radial tyres. A new, correct specification alloy fuel tank was also fitted along with new front and rear exhaust manifolds The only concession to modernity was the fitting of switchable EZ electric power steering by XK specialists Twyford Moors. This provides easy low speed manoeuvrability with the option of normal weighting on the open road. It is also completely reversible. Apart from a recent fuel pump overhaul it has needed just routine servicing. The indicated mileage 87900 is not warranted but probably correct. MOT to June 2026.
The car is on the button and ready to use. It comes with an extensive history file, including the previous owner’s notes and photographs of the recommissioning process and handbook. So rare to see an unrestored XK these days.
