In drophead coupe form, the XK150 makes for the quintessential grand tourer, and that’s precisely the purpose of this lovely example. With a fabulous lipstick-red interior and an engine upgrade to 3.8 S spec, this is a car with a lot of history and a lot to offer.

 The last owner purchased the car from the renowned specialist Hyman in St Louis, Missouri in 2015 for the sum of $162,500, and imported it to the UK. In Hyman’s sales literature at the time, they described the Jaguar thus: ‘the car has received a ground-up nut-and-bolt restoration to exceptional standards of fit, finish and function… everything has been done to standards appropriate to a high quality concours restoration.’

 This owner then set about taking this delectable machine to giddy new heights, addressing everything they thought needed addressing on what must have been a no-expense-spared basis: £6,262 was spent on works at Winspeed Motorsport, then a further £37,076 at West Riding Jaguar Specialists, followed by another £6,027 at Twyford Moors. It’s fair to say that this approach bordered on the obsessive, and the result is a beautifully presented XK150 in very impressive condition, that’s thoroughly enjoyable to drive.
 

 

Presented in Old English White, this highly impressive XK looks positively statuesque on its chrome wire wheels and gleaming chrome trim. It’s evident that a lot of attention has been paid to the finer details, as we find no issues with the light lenses, window glass, badging or trim, everything is present and correct and in good condition. As part of the refurbishment at West Riding Independent Ltd in 2016, the car was treated to new door glass, bonnet buffers, wing vent gauzes, locks, mirrors, and much more besides.

 The interior is a riot of colour in contrast to the sober exterior, with the red leather trim in very good order throughout, the front seats tilting correctly to allow access to the rear stowage, and the carpets in tidy condition. There’s a Moto-Lita steering wheel ahead of an unmarked dash, and the car is fitted with a retro-style Bluetooth head unit (which operates the electric aerial when switched on and off). The mohair roof is easy to raise, affix and lower, is in great condition, and comes complete with a tonneau cover with tasteful red piping.

 Inside the boot it’s all dry and tidy, with a good carpet, spare wire wheel, spinner mallet, and grease gun.
 

The 2016 rebuild at West Riding Independent Ltd was thorough and comprehensive. The engine received an S-spec head and a later-type 3.4 block which was bored out to 3.8-litres, along with upgraded crankshaft and rods, new timing gear, new valves, later XJ6-type cams, and rebuilt carburettors.

The transmission is now a later XJ6-type floor-shift auto, the suspension and rear axle were all rebuilt, and an EZ power steering system fitted. As for the electrics, the car has been modified to negative earth, and the dual 6v batteries converted to a single 12v with rewiring to suit. The brakes were upgraded to a Zelis disc setup, and the cooling was improved to incorporate an aluminium radiator and electric fan.

More recently, when the car was at Twyford Moors in 2022, the carbs were again rebuilt, and the steering system received a refurbished column, new rack mounts and safety strap, as well as new track rod ends, choke switch and lower column universal joint. The result is a car which feels solid and dependable – it fires readily on the button, idles evenly, maintains good temperatures in traffic, and pulls with gusto through the revs. The brakes feel strong and it rides well on its suspension. On the whole, a very well sorted Jag indeed.
 

 
The appeal of this delightful Jaguar speaks for itself. Mechanically robust, supremely stylish, very enjoyable to drive – it’s a car that looks outstanding, and drives as well as it looks. There’s a sizeable history file here to back up the Jaguar’s credentials, and a huge amount of time, money and love has been invested to get it to the condition it’s in today. Truly a desirable example of this iconic classic.
 
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