Highlights

Rare OTS model with useful upgrades to improve drivability
Will be sold with 12 months MOT
Older bodywork and mechanical restoration with little use since in very good condition
The XK150 is a very distinctive and practical classic Jaguar
Desirable SE model fitted with C-Type head and other factory upgrades

The Appeal

Jaguar’s original XK married the firm’s sales and racing aspirations and delivered on both fronts. The showroom car was sinuously styled and not quite like anything else on the road whilst the XK120-C, an aerodynamic version of the road car, delivered results on Europe’s endurance race tracks.

The car evolved and got more power and more luxury, resulting in the XK150 of 1957. It was a variety of body styles of which the Open Two Seater (OTS) was the most sporting and the one used to achieve speed records. Just 2,266 OTS XK150s were built.

This beautiful 1958 OTS began life as an LHD export model before returning to Britain in 1986 for restoration and conversion to RHD. Now fitted with useful upgrades like power steering and a 5spd manual gearbox, it is in very good shape and nicely finished in burgundy metallic over tan. XK150s are practical, spacious and of course rewarding to drive and this looks like a well loved and very usable example.

The History and Paperwork

DVLA records show first UK registration as 9th May 1996
Three owners since returning to the UK
Current owner since 29th July 2010
Heritage Certificate provided with the car shows that this car was despatched to the USA in August 1958
VIN records indicate that this is a SE model that left the factory equipped with overdrive and was originally LHD
Originally painted blue
We are told that the car was restored following its return to the UK but unfortunately the paperwork for this has been lost
The restoration work involved stripping the body and retrimming it in the current colour scheme
The car was converted to RHD, fitted with a 5 spd gearbox and power steering at this time
The engine was rebuilt 12 years ago and there are invoices to confirm this in the history file
SE Pack provided wire wheels, front spotlights, overdrive, C-Type head and win exhaust
This car appears to retain all the SE modifications except the gearbox
The vendor states that the car will be sold with 12 months MOT
The last MOT expired on 20th August 2015 and the car has covered less than 600 miles since
Tax, ULEZ and MOT exempt

This beautiful car has led an interesting life. VIN records show that it was highly specified for the time, the ‘S’ prefix denoting desirable SE specification. This provided 190bhp - up 20bhp - primarily thanks to fitting the C-Type head as well as fitting a twin exit exhaust system, front spotlights, wire wheels and overdrive. With the exception of the latter this car appears to retain each of those features.

It left the factory painted blue in August 1958 bound for the USA where it remained until being repatriated in 1986. On its return it was restored including being stripped and repainted in the current colour scheme with retrimmed interior. At the same time it was converted to RHD and fitted with power steering and a 4spd manual gearbox to improve drivability.

We are told that the engine was rebuilt 12 years ago. MOT records show that since 2015 the car has only covered 558 miles. The vendor states that it will be usefully sold with 12 months MOT.

The Interior

Very presentable tan interior an older restoration that has held up very well
High quality retrimming that has replicated the factory specification
Stylish original leather-rimmed four spoke steering wheel
Attractive leather bucket seats
Good carpets
Dashboard in good condition with clear dials, good chrome and excellent switchgear

The XK150 was available in three body configurations of which the OTS was intended to be the sportiest and was the one used by Jaguar to achieve the model’s various speed records. So in place of the wood veneers and other trimmings associated with the FHC and DHC models, the interior of this car is much more sports focussed.

And it is quite beautiful, the blend of leather trim and carefully arranged dashboard, framed by curving door bottoms and exquisitely shaped chrome window trims, evocative of a certain swashbuckling post war era of fast cars and open roads.

This car displays an older retrim in tan, which has clearly been done to a high standard and with careful attention to factory detail. There are some minor signs of use - such as the marks on the backs of the seats, but it is generally in very good, well preserved condition. The lovely Smiths dials are clear and smart and the switchgear in similar condition with clear decals. The car is fitted with seatbelts in silver and there appears to be a lumbar pump for the driver’s seat backrest. The eye for detail extends to the gearknob which has been shows 4spds carefully re-created to match the factory script and finish.

This impression extends to the boot which is attractively trimmed in matching tan with no significant marks. Here you will find the factory tool kit, matching spare wheel and hammer for the knock-off spinners.

The Exterior

Imperial Red bodywork in good condition with little use since restoration
Smart chromework with few signs of age or use
There are some minor marks around the bodywork but as the photographs show, they are not unsightly
The marks are cosmetic rather than structural
The underside reflects the bodywork and appears in well preserved condition
Tan fabric roof in presentable condition with only small areas of deterioration
Chrome wire wheels with Avon classic tyres
Small area on the N/S front wing starting to bubble

The older restoration of this car involved repainting it in Imperial Red, a colour which the photographs show certainly suits this car and highlights the chrome fittings. The bodywork is in very good condition, likely reflecting the very sparing use over the last decade, and there are no visible areas of corrosion or rust on the bodywork. Even the vulnerable marker light plinths on top of the front wings are rot free.

The story applies to the underside. Usefully MOT exempt, we are told it will nevertheless be sold with a test valid for 12 months.

There are some very minor marks and scratches around the car but they do not detract from the overall finish. All are relatively insignificant but for completeness they include some small chips on the door edges, a scuff on the lip of the nearside arch and a handful of stone chips along the front.

The chromework is in very good condition with no visible areas of tarnish or pitting, although some of the rubbers are showing wear. The car is attractively fitted with a rear luggage rack.

The glasswork is complete with no visible cracks or deterioration and the headlamps retain their classic ‘J’ central logos.

The tan fabric roof is generally presentable, just some light staining on the inside and a couple of nicks on the rear edges to note. There is a matching tonneau also included with the car.

The car sits on smart 16in chrome wire wheels in excellent condition with quality Avon tyre showing plenty of tread.

The Mechanics

Factory SE 3.4litre model that means it should have the C-Type head developing 190bhp
However the engine number corresponds to a standard 3.4litre XK150
Heritage Certificate to check these details
Fitted with a 5spd manual gearbox to improve touring capabilities
Retro-fitted with power steering for the same reason
We are told that the engine was rebuilt around 12 years ago and MOT records indicate little use since
Equipped with an immobiliser
Stainless steel exhaust with twin exit pipes

Summary

The XK150 was the ultimate iteration of the beautiful XK line, a sleek, stylish sports car that cemented Jaguar’s reputation on and off the track. The OTS was the model that secured the speed records, although just 2,266 were built.

This beautiful 1958 model has covered few miles since being restored to what was clearly a very high standard. Sold with the reassurance of a full MOT and equipped with some useful upgrades to make it more relaxing to drive, it is the stylish, practical British classic that appeals to the head and the heart.

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