Highlights

Beautifully presented in BRG with Sherwood Green leather
Sought-after factory SE with 210bhp C-type cylinder head
Comprehensively restored between 2008 and 2013 by Jaguar specialist
Body restoration carried out by award-winning Jaguar specialist Martyn Collins
Only 230 miles since completion
Sympathetic upgrades including four disc brakes, power steering and 5spd box
In current ownership for 20 years
Ideally set up for European touring events
Large history file including JDHT certificate, import and restoration records

The Appeal

The enduring appeal of William Lyons’ beautiful XK cars is as much down to those finely wrought lines as to their suitability for classic touring and rally events. These big, comfortable, long-legged cars lend themselves to sympathetic upgrades, and this car proves the point.

Now registered in the UK and with the current keeper for 20 years, the car began its life in the USA and left the works as a sought-after ‘SE’ model with the C-Type head. This package notably dialled power up to 210bhp and offered sharper handling thanks to stiffer front torsion bars. Between 2008 and 2013, the car underwent a comprehensive, ground-up restoration touching virtually every area of the car. Martyn Collins, one of the UK's most respected Jaguar specialists and a two-time winner of the NEC Classic Car Show 'top car' award, stripped the body to bare metal and restored it. Suffolk & Turley, renowned Jaguar trimmers, handled the upholstery and hood, and all wood veneers were replaced. Mechanically, the engine was completely rebuilt, and a number of thoughtful upgrades were incorporated to enhance drivability and reliability. These included all-round disc brakes, 5spd manual gearbox, improved cooling, an upgraded clutch system and power steering.

With only 230 miles covered since restoration and a thorough file of bills and photographs to support the work carried out, this is a compelling opportunity to acquire a well-presented, carefully improved car that looks ideal for weekend trips or longer drives and tours.

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1956
Delivered new to the USA as a left-hand drive example
First owner recorded as Mr R J Kulm of Elmhurst, Long Island, New York
Imported to the UK in September 2006 with full duty and VAT paid
Current ownership since 2006 we are told
UK registered August 2013 following restoration
Reported to have been restored between 2008 and 2013 as above and below
Jaguar Heritage Certificate present
Importation documents
Restoration bills and photographic record available
V5C Registration Certificate present
MOT and tax exempt by age
230 miles covered since restoration (odometer zeroed at that time)

The Condition

Stripped to bare metal and comprehensively restored between 2008 and 2013
Body restored by Martyn Collins, two-time NEC Classic Car Show 'top car' award winner
Restored and repainted in British Racing Green which is in very good order
Bright and well kept chromework as shown
Black folding fabric roof in good working order
Chrome wire wheels with wider tyres fitted
Retrimmed in Sherwood Green by specialist Suffolk & Turley
Extensive walnut wood veneers in very good condition
All wood veneers replaced during restoration
Inertia-reel seatbelts fitted
Supplied with spare wheel, tools, jack, and tonneau cover

The key to any XK restoration is who has done the work. It’s easy to get these complicated cars wrong, and lack of experience will show, particularly in panel fit and detail finish. Martyn Collins, a highly respected Jaguar specialist, renovated this car, so there are no concerns.

His work and that of Jaguar trimming specialist Suffolk & Turley is evident in the photos, which show a very well-kept car. The sparing use means that the buyer gets the full benefit of that quality and investment.

The Mechanics

3,442cc XK twin-cam six-cylinder engine with C-type cylinder head
Five-speed manual gearbox (upgraded from original)
Engine rebuild including new main bearings, cylinder head overhaul, and refurbished carburettors
Upgraded fuel pump, starter motor, distributor with electronic ignition
Electronic rev counter fitted
Oil cooler fitted
Aluminium radiator and electric fan
Uprated clutch
Disc brakes all round with new master cylinder
Power steering fitted
Upgraded suspension
Immobiliser fitted

The mechanicals of this 1958 DHC have been as comprehensively overhauled as the structure and cosmetics. The work, completed in 2013, included a full engine rebuild with various upgrades as detailed above, and a host of improvements designed to improve the drivability. The car has only covered 230 miles since completion. Now fitted with four disc brakes, power steering, an upgraded clutch and an improved cooling system, this car is set up for devouring long distances.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.