Meticulously rebuilt/restored in the last four years
Matching numbers & original UK RHD
Simply stunning - one of the greatest automotive designs ever?
The Appeal
Surely one of the automotive world’s greatest designs, the XK150 was unveiled in 1957 in the home (UK) market, bearing significant resemblance to its forerunners the XK120 and XK140, with the most obvious design update being the use of a one-piece windscreen in place of the split screen found on the 120 and 140 models.
Under the bonnet, the 3.4-litre XK engine remained, with a new ‘B’ type cylinder head to raise the power output to 180bhp. A total of 9,382 XK150s were produced, broken down as 4,445 fixed-head coupes, 2,672 drop-head coupes and 2,265 roadsters.
This particular example has been meticulously restored and fettled by its previous owner, following a long-term bodywork restoration, with an engine rebuild having taken place whilst the car was in the care of the previous keeper.
Now, presented in outstanding condition in-and-out, starting on the button and - for want of a better phrase - purring like a cat, this XK150 is simply in need of a new owner to hit the open road and make the most of its fantastic XK engine and classical styling.
Supplied new in January 1960 to its first owner, the story goes that the original keeper wanted an XK150S, but none were available at the time, meaning the next best thing was purchased instead; an XK150 with a fantastic set of factory specifications, including wire wheels and a manual overdrive.
Purchased by the previous owner on 03 June 2005 at 81,600 miles whilst in need of a major overhaul when the vendor owned a Ferrari / specialist concessionary, this XK150 was shipped off to a bodywork specialist - N.J Beckingham of Salisbury - and was given a thorough transformation, including a full strip, attention to any required welding/corrosion works, removal of filler, respray in its current shade of green, and any finishing works required.
During this time, the vendor’s business shut-up shop and he retired, meaning the XK was delivered back to the vendor in an unfinished state, as a long-term restoration and rebuild project. Thankfully, the vendor took this in his stride, and then the pandemic hit, meaning that progress on this XK gained significant momentum, with the following works having been carried out, amongst others:
Full braking system strip and overhaul, including removal and refurbishment of the brake servo
Clutch and brake master cylinders overhauled with new seals
Stripping and protecting the underbody as required
Replacement of any brake lines in poor condition
Construction of a new interior rear trim panel behind the second row of seats
Fitment of a battery cut-off switch for long-term storage
All water hoses replaced and a cooling system flush
Removal and rebuild of the SU carburettors
Replacement of the differential pinion seal
Fitment of a new dynamo
Repair of the distributor system, with the vacuum unit diaphragm replaced
New Lucas fog lights and J-Type headlights
New stainless steel exhaust system
Fitment of new Blockley radial tyres to replace the period-correct cross-ply tyres
Inside, the cabin has been fully re-trimmed with new seats, carpets and fixtures, presenting in outstanding condition throughout.
The seats - both front and rear - are in excellent shape with virtually no signs of ever having been sat in, let alone showing signs of wear, whilst the carpets, mats and headlining are all in equally great shape with next-to-no signs of age.
Ahead of the driver, the dashboard shows a few signs of patina on the various switches, toggles, arm rests on the door cards and other high-traffic areas, but nothing that would be considered anything less than commensurate for a cherished and fastidiously-kept car of this age.
In the rear, the luggage compartment also presents fantastically, though the hatch for the under-floor compartment is naturally tight due to its virtually as-new condition. The vendor constructed a tool-room copy of the on-board jack, which is present under the floor.
As per the interior, the external appearance of this XK150 is nothing short of remarkable, having seen very limited use since being painted and remaining in fantastic shape throughout.
The paintwork is in excellent order, with no signs of any major blemishes, imperfections and no damage that we could see during our photo shoot, with the bodywork also being straight-and-true throughout, perhaps even better than it would’ve been when it left the Browns Lane factory.
The chrome details on the car are all present-and-correct along with the various badges on the front and the rear of the vehicle. Both bumpers are in near-pristine condition with a mirror-like finish, whilst the window surrounds and other chrome trim pieces display a delightful age-related patina.
In terms of negatives, it is worth noting that the lower NS windscreen surround is dented/damaged slightly, whilst there is a small paint chip on the nearside rear arch, both of which have been photographed and displayed in the gallery below.
All four wheels are in great shape, wrapped in matching nearly-new Blockley vintage-style radial tyres, which the vendor states has ‘transformed’ the way this XK150 behaves on the road.DZMLUW9gskscJ0o8wnu7ikxX1cUn7p4U7tt8jfWW.jpg1.07 MB
The Mechanicals
Under the bonnet, the good news continues, with the XK motor in this ‘150 having had an engine rebuild by a previous owner and remaining in excellent condition.
Whilst the carbs have been rebuilt in the car’s previous ownership and a general service/tune-up has been undertaken, no further engine works have been carried out, simply due to the fact that this XK appears to be in rude health, starting with ease and idling wonderfully, behaving as required and with no known faults reported by the vendor.
Interestingly, it would also appear that a C-Type head has been fitted at some point in the car’s history, which was a common period upgrade for XK150 owners to squeeze out a few extra horses.
Underneath, the chassis has been stripped, cleaned and protected in the usual areas, whilst a full mechanical overhaul (detailed above) has been carried out, meaning that there is nothing knowingly in need of immediate attention by the next owner.wzVZ6L4vbaNSCP9bQ13IQhMB9WsiMzMeUJWxDoSn.jpg922.3 KB
Summary
Meticulously and methodically restored, rebuilt and recommissioned by its previous owner, this simply gorgeous XK150 is certain to draw a crowd wherever it goes, thanks to its British Racing Green coachwork, fantastic XK exhaust note and show-stopping styling.
Presented in outstanding condition throughout and on-the-button, it would seem that this XK150 is wanting for nothing more than a new, enthusiastic owner to drive it and enjoy it as Jaguar intended - could it be you?
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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