2017-07-13 23:41:19 | pauls writes:

Some history and status provided by the current owner in the June 2017 edition of the XK Gazette.

2023-09-07 08:38:24 | pauls writes:

Car now offered at:

www.carandclassic.com/auctions/195-7-jaguar-xk150-34-fhc-8lGV94

Seller's description:

1957 Jaguar XK150

Colour Red

Odometer 61,914 Miles

Engine size 3400

Auction DetailsSeller Type Private

Town Northampton, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom

This ultimate expression of Jaguar’s XK sports car is the result of a year long restoration

The subject of a fastidious and high-quality, ground up restoration by a skilled artisan

In a condition that is hard to fault and ready to use and enjoy immediately

This XK150 rolled off the Browns Lane production line in 1957

This was the first year of production for the XK150

The car was destined for the North American market from new

The XK remained in the USA until it was reimported to the UK in around 2016

The car languished for a couple of years before the current owner acquired it

Since acquisition the car has undergone a very complete and diligent restoration

Every aspect of the car has been brought up to a very hight standard

The interior has been fully retrimmed by an Aston Martin trained artisan

The XK150 is now only for sale due to a lack of use due to other commitments

There is a small archive of paperwork included

This consists of the V5 registration document in the name of the owner

This categorises the Jagaur as an Historic Vehicle

As such it is MOT and VED exempt in the UK

Other receipts and documents are available but weren’t on hand for photography

The owner has a huge archive of restoration photographs which will be included

The Interior

The interior has been exquisitely retrimmed as part of its restoration

This work was undertaken over a year by an Aston Martin trained specialist

Every aspect of the Jaguar’s interior has been expertly attended to

The interior of the XK150 is an analogue delight providing a welcome antidote to the screen laden interiors of today. The interior is finished in the car’s original factory colourway of red leather and complimentary coloured carpets. The front seats consist of bases separated by the transmission tunnel. The folding seat backs touch in the centre to give the impression of a single back rest. The transmission tunnel between the seats is finished with a small upholstered “saddle.” This means the seat can be occupied by three people………in emergencies. The condition of the box pleated seats can only be described as excellent. The seat backs fold forward to allow access to the “very occasional” rear seats.

The carpets are well fitted, and edge bound for longevity. Black heel pads provide protection in both front footwells. The door panels are exquisitely finished in red leather and furnished with chromed door furniture. Slim door pockets are present. The mid-tan hued headlining is pristine and appropriately tightly fitted.

The dashboard is predominantly finished in matching red leather. A central, chrome edged panel is home to the original instruments and switchgear. The instruments are the familiar white on black Smiths items. On the passenger side is a lidded glove box and chromed grab handle. The driver is faced with a large and upright, four spoke steel and Bakelite steering wheel. This is centred with a Jaguar head boss.

The shallow boot is equally well trimmed and finished with the edge bound claret carpets in evidence. Under the floor is a spare wire wheel and tyre.

The Exterior

The exterior of the XK150 has been expertly refinished in its original factory hue

The standard of finish is excellent with a lustrous shine in evidence everywhere

The brightwork has been re-chromed where required

To the casual observer the XK150 appeared little changed over the XK120 and 140 models. In actuality quite a bit had changed, not least the A pillars of the coupe moving forward a full four inches to improve access. Regardless of any changes the overall result was unchanged. The XK150 looks fantastic and represents the epitome of late 1950’s sports car chic and sophistication.

Like the interior, the exterior clearly exhibits the quality of the restoration work expended on this car. During our visit we found it very difficult indeed to note any issues or faults with either paintwork or bodywork. The current owner is a time served bodywork specialist and has taken pride in delivering this quality of restoration. The Imperial Maroon hue suits the curves of the XK very well and the panel gaps are tight and symmetrical throughout.

This car sits on an original set of cross spoked 16-inch wire wheels. These have been fully media blasted and powder coated in silver to provide a durable and original looking finish. The wheels are shod in a matching set of BF Goodrich period look radial tyres which appear almost new. The wheels are affixed with re-chromed, Jaguar inscribed, twin-eared spinners.

The Mechanics

This XK150 is fitted with Jaguar’s 3442cc, DOHC straight six engine

In this guise it breathes through Double SU HD6 carburettors

Originally delivering around 200bhp, the power is fed to the rear wheels 

A full synchromesh, four-speed manual gearbox with switchable overdrive is utilised

The potent straight six engine was sufficient to endow the XK150 with a 140mph+ top speed and a 0-60mph time in the early eights. This was an impressive turn of speed for the late 1950’s. The bald performance figures, however, somewhat miss the point of the XK150. 

During the restoration the engine was stripped, recommissioned and diligently checked. The head was skimmed and anything requiring updating was replaced. As such the car is reported to run faultlessly. During our visit it started immediately and idled smoothly. The XK150 sound great too, with an unmistakeable straight six roar.

The under-bonnet presentation is as good as the rest of the car with a great deal of originality retained. All expected data plates appear present and correct and the alloy cam cover, carburettor bowls and manifold are all nicely and brightly finished. The underside of the car appears to be a revelation. The condition is eye-wideningly impressive with a level of finish that is probably better than when the car left the factory.