The XK150 represents the zenith of an impressive model line. Jaguar’s first post-war sports car, the XK120 of 1948, featured an all-new six-cylinder engine wrapped up within a slinky and sylph-like roadster body. The awed reception of the public was more than enough to convince William Lyons that putting the model into production would be a positive idea, and the addition of the number ‘120’ into the name served to further tantalise and enrapture – after all, the figure referred to the car’s top speed, and that was a mightily impressive claim in the late-forties. Indeed, it made it the fastest production car in the world. A fixed-head coupe version arrived in 1951, and in ’54 the model evolved into the XK140, with improved suspension and brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and more interior space.

This was followed three years later by the XK150, which appeared visually similar but was radically evolved: the body was more streamlined, and the split windscreen replaced by a repositioned single-piece item, with plenty more power under the hood. With motorsport prowess working hand-in-hand with boulevardier chic, this highly evolved model of the XK oeuvre represents a truly thrilling and desirable prospect today.

The model we have here has a fascinating history, backed up by a massive paperwork file. Originally a LHD 3.4 model, today it’s a RHD 3.8 – its current specification the result of around £45,000 of work, as itemised in the documentation. Fitted with a reconditioned 3.8 ‘S’-spec engine and professionally converted to right-hand-drive, it’s been fitted with electric power steering, and over £1,400 was spent on upgrading the disc brakes.

A reconditioned Jaguar XJ6 manual synchromesh gearbox was fitted, with overdrive controlled by a dash-mounted switch. The chassis has been galvanised, a fresh mohair hood sourced from Germany, the carburettors rebuilt and tuned on the rolling road, and the electrical system revamped with an alternator, electronic ignition and battery cut-off switch.

It gleams like a new pin too, with a lovely repaint in British Racing Green complemented by refurbished chrome trim and stainless steel wire wheels. With a full interior retrim, it’s a lovely place to be and an equally lovely machine to drive. Classic style, modern performance.
 

The interior retrim has been carried out to a very high standard, and the results are delightful. The cabin is well presented throughout, with the seats tastefully retrimmed and carpets replaced. The front seats tilt correctly to allow access to the 2+2 rear seats. The dash-top and doorcards have been retrimmed, all of the gauges are functional, and the four-spoke steering wheel is in good order with very little wear.

There’s an overdrive switch on the dash for the XJ6 gearbox that’s been fitted. It's all dry and tidy inside the boot, and the side vents down by the driver’s and passenger’s legs pop open as they should.

 

We can see from the history file that this restoration has been carried out at a steady pace from 1989 to the present day – and while the body restoration was carried out in the 1990s, it still presents wonderfully today with terrific paint and all panels straight and true. British Racing Green is the perfect accompaniment to those elegant 1950s lines, and the quality of the paintwork is very good with no marks or blemishes. The light lenses and window glass are all good, and all of the chrome trim has been refurbished and truly gleams. The car is fitted with stainless steel wire wheels which look excellent and are fitted with Blockley tyres on the front and Vredestein Classics on the rear.

The mohair hood is clearly a high-quality item, as it feels solid in its construction and latches correctly with super fitment, and stows neatly in its tonneau with no need to stretch it to fit.

Underneath, as the photos demonstrate, the car looks to be pleasingly solid, thanks to the chassis having been galvanised. The overall impression with this XK150 is one of class and style; it’s certainly a car that attracted a lot of attention during our photoshoot, and it’s all beautifully presented.

The XK150 offers a robust and engaging mechanical package, serving up entertaining performance along with a supremely smooth ride. The engine fitted to this car is a rebuilt 3.8-litre triple-carbed unit, offering ‘S’ specification performance, and this is mated to the all-synchro overdrive ’box from an XJ6. 

A large amount of money was spent upgrading the disc brakes, and they really are the most urgent brakes we’ve ever experienced on an XK. The addition of electric power steering is another element that makes this car so very usable and stress-free to drive. The engine further benefits from a Kenlowe fan and electronic ignition, making this a practical and dependable everyday driver.

The genius of this XK150 is that it’s so very usable. The presentation inside and out is outstanding and no stone has been left unturned in the pursuit of aesthetic splendour, but the beauty here is far more than skin-deep. The mechanical package has been put together to make the car highly practical, enjoyable and dependable for regular use – the sweetly tuned engine with its electronic ignition runs like a dream, and the Kenlowe fan ensures it keeps its cool in traffic. The XJ6 synchromesh gearbox saves you the usual XK leg-ache around town, with overdrive for long-distance cruising. It really is a sublime package.



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