LHD low mileage example of the desirable SE specification XK150 Open Two Seater (OTS)
Evidence of body-off photographic restoration
Superb condition indicating high level professional restoration
Bodywork restoration 2014 to 2016
Mechanical restoration 2020 to 2021
One of less than 2,200 LHD export OTS models
The Appeal
For many the XK150 epitomises what a Jaguar should look like, a swooping, lithe shape seemingly most at home barrelling down the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans.
In 4 short years less than 10,000 XK150s were built, only a quarter of them Open Two Seater models like this one. And even fewer were specified as desirable ‘SE’ versions, with extra power and performance.
This 1958 XK150 OTS has been little used since returning to the UK from Pennsylvania in 2013 and then being subject to a high end bodywork and mechanical restoration between 2014 and 2021. The work still looks entirely fresh. It looks commanding in its immaculate red paintwork with equally perfect black interior.
Factory correct black leather bucket seats with red piping
Retrimmed by Jaguar specialist Aldridge Trimming
Dashboard in unmarked condition
Battery isolator switch in glovebox
Excellent carpets throughout including boot
Door cards in very good condition
Switchgear and dials appear to be a mixture of original and refurbished
While the coupe version of the XK150 got a luxurious walnut-equipped interior, the OTS was designed much more as a focussed sports car. There may be less luxury but the relative simplicity drips Jaguar style.
This XK150 left the factory with a black leather interior piped red so the set up in this car is factory correct. It was comprehensively retrimmed by renowned Jaguar specialist Aldridge Trimming between 2014 and 2016 and the black leather of the bucket seats looking supple and unmarked. The red piping nicely lifts the appearance is carried through to the carpets, which are equally unmarked and appear new. The boot carpet is likewise perfect as are the door cards. The XK150 OTS benefitted from the luxury addition of wind up windows, a first for Jaguar in this body style.
The lovely dashboard, with its bold central dials, is in excellent condition and likely refurbished, the simple grey vinyl nicely contrasting with the rest of the interior. All of the switchgear and dials are in excellent condition and appear to have either been replaced or refurbished.
Chassis up, body off restoration 2014 to 2016 and unused since
Chrome refinished during 2014 and 2016 and in very good condition
New folding hood fitted in 2020 to 2021 and in very good condition
Originally supplied by the factory with cream paintwork
MWS 60-spoke chrome wire wheels fitted during 2014 to 2016 restoratioon
This XK150 left the factory painted cream but the switch to bright red and a black roof – the original roof colour was fawn – certainly suits it as the photographs attest. The work was undertaken between 2014 and 2016 shortly after the car returned from its life in the USA and has been completed recently and to a very high standard. The photographs indicate a body-off restoration that included refurbishing the chassis.
The Vendor states that the work also included refurbishing the rear axle, work which was done by noted marque specialist Southern Axle Services.
A new wiring loom was also installed during the restoration.
The paintwork is immaculate, a careful analysis of the photographs not even revealing any tiny marks. The roof is similarly excellent, the deep black colour suggesting that it has been renovated or is new. The same applies to the chrome wire wheels, which are equipped with vintage specification tyres.
The extensive chrome across the car, which is one of the XK150’s calling cards, has been refurbished and is in very good condition with no visible pitting or deterioration. The 60-spoke chrome wire wheels are from MWS International, the wire wheel specialist, and are in perfect order.
During the most recent restoration work between 2020 and 2021 the Vendor states that cavity wax was applied extensively.
3.4litre straight six XK engine with factory SE specification
210bhp output from Jaguar factory
'Moss’ four speed manual gearbox
Matching numbers engine but gearbox possibly replaced
Stainless steel exhaust
The XK engine that gifted this car its name began life on the race circuit, a fact that was intrinsic to the showroom appeal of these cars. Available in size from 2.4 to 4.2-litres, the 3.4-litre capacity version is acknowledged to be one of the sweetest, nicely balancing performance with driveability.
Standard XK150s were equipped with 190bhp XK engines but the ‘SE’ Special Equipment versions, like this one, got 210bhp. Crucially the extra power and torque were delivered lower down the rev range.
The power hike was achieved by using Jaguar’s B-Type cylinder head, larger exhaust valves, high lift cams and a 9.0:1 compression ratio. Heavier torsion bars, twin exhausts and wire wheels completed the picture.
Jaguar Heritage records confirm that the chassis number for this car correctly identifies it as a LHD export SE OTS.
Jaguar Heritage records and the photographs also confirm that this car is equipped with its original engine. The Vendor states that the engine was fully rebuilt during 2020 and 2021. The MOT history indicates that the car has covered few miles since.
The XK150 was the culmination of Jaguar’s long line of big grand tourers, cars as at home ferrying well-heeled occupants around London’s night spots as barrelling at speed across continents.
This 1958 XK150 is a desirable OTS model with factory high performance SE specification. It has clearly been restored both structurally and mechanically to a very high standard and MOT records suggest very few miles. It looks beautiful and absolutely read to use.
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1957 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupe
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