Highlights
- Restored to an exceptional standard
- Extremely attractive specification
- 3.4-litre inline-six
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Comprehensive history
- Iconic, Le Mans derived sportscar
The Appeal
Every manufacturer dreams of having the kind of success that Jaguar had in the 1950s. Five times winners at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, builder of the world’s fastest car and with an untouchable reputation for ‘space, pace and grace’. When the XK150 – a development of the XK140 and XK120 – was released in 1957, that reputation was further cemented.
As the final iteration of the XK family line, it bore similarities to the previous models but also benefited from a raft of substantial changes that significantly enhanced the car. From a more luxuriously appointed cabin to better grand-touring ability and the advent of disc brakes on every wheel (a first for Jaguar), there’s no doubting the XK150 was an all-round more accomplished machine than its forebears.
This delightfully well-specified example started life as a left-hand drive example destined for the American market. After a number of decades on the west of the Atlantic, it was brought home in 2016 and comprehensively restored from the ground up – including that all-important professionally done right-hand drive conversion.
Completed and registered in the UK in October 2020, it now stands resplendent in its fresh coat of Cotswold Blue, with a complementary dark blue fabric hood and stunningly finished soft grey leather upholstery. We are delighted to present this beauty for sale. For anyone seeking a superbly restored classic that looks like it has just rolled off the production line, then this is what you’ve been waiting for…
The History and Paperwork
- Built on 20th November 1957
- Dispatched to the US on 28th December 1957
- First registered in the US in 1958, from a supplying dealer in New York
- Returned to the UK via Beverly Hills Car Club in 2016
- One UK owner since import, who has carefully and meticulously restored the car and converted it to right-hand drive
- Indicated 78,353 miles on a five-figure odometer
- We’re told the car comes with an extensive history file
- Jaguar Heritage Trust production record trace certificate confirms it left the factory with the following – Chassis: S 837140 / Engine: V2122-8 / Body: P6142
The Interior
- Stylish light grey leather upholstery
- Newly fitted light grey carpets
- Practical 2+2 cabin layout
We think the light grey upholstery that’s been chosen for the seats, padded upper dashboard and door cards is the perfect choice – it beautifully complements the exterior paintwork and has a timeless, elegant feel. As it has been recently restored, it presents in superb overall condition too, with barely any signs of wear.
Matching the upholstery well, the carpeting is light grey and in similarly fine fettle. We couldn’t see any signs of damage, staining or threading. It makes for a most welcoming driving environment.
As far as we can tell, all of the internal trim and switchgear is present and correct. Where restoration has been necessary, this has been carried out to a very high standard. However, it’s nice to see that some items, such as the gauges, switchgear and handbrake lever, still wear a gentle and warm level of patina – offering glimpses of the car’s true age. We’re particular fans of the large, thin-rimmed, four-spoke Bakelite steering wheel.
The Exterior
- Stunning Cotswold Blue paintwork
- Dark blue fabric roof
- Lashings of fantastic brightwork
- Period-correct chrome wire wheels
- One-piece wrap-around windscreen
The voluptuous curves of the XK150’s bodywork are a work of art whatever colour they’re finished in. But the Cotswold Blue chosen for this example – a beautiful teal colour – really does set the lines off perfectly. It appears to be incredibly well finished too. Try as we might, we were unable to find a single blemish or mark worthy of note.
Of course, a fine paint job is for nought if the body is in poor condition. Thankfully, every panel of this lovely sportscar appears to be in excellent order, with smooth, flowing lines and neat, even panel gaps. We saw no hint of corrosion and no evidence of damage anywhere. We believe it probably didn’t look this good when it rolled out of the showroom…
What fine companion could there be to such fine bodywork than an abundance of shimmering brightwork. And the chrome of this car certainly does glimmer most magnificently. From the tall front grille to the headlamp surrounds and wide bumpers with over-riders, it all presents in exceptional condition.
Topping off the car is the dark blue fabric roof. Taut and neatly finished, it shows no sagging, wear or damage we could discern. It is partnered with a matched dark blue tonneau for when it is stowed.
As a finishing touch, the sparkling chrome of the car’s 16-inch wire wheels is perfect. They feature the usual ‘knock off’ spinners and, as with the rest of the car, are in magnificent condition. They’re shod with a set of matched tyres that look to have good tread levels.
The Mechanics
- 3,442cc inline-six with twin SU carburettors
- Four-speed manual transmission (three synchro)
- Rear-wheel drive
- Disc brakes all round
For a car built in the 50s and based on a design hailing from the 40s, the XK150 is surprisingly modern. That double-overhead-cam inline-six is smooth and powerful, delivering a very healthy claimed 210bhp and 216lb-ft to the rear wheels through a tactile four-speed transmission.
Making sure that the driver is always in complete control of all that get-up-and-go, the car was fitted from the factory with disc brakes all round and independent front suspension. The result is a car that remains a very capable and smooth grand touring sportscar.
The mechanical refurbishment looks to have been completed to a similarly high standard as the rest of the car, the engine presenting very well indeed. No mechanical issues are reported by the vendor, and we’re told that the car starts, runs and drives very well indeed.
Summary
If you’re after a classic sportscar with real cachet and presence, then an XK150 is a great choice. Still eminently usable, they are sought after by enthusiasts and collectors. And we think this supremely well finished example, with its fine history and outstandingly attractive specification, is sure to be a hit with all fans of the marque.
