2011-05-03 11:48:49 | McNabb writes:

Purchased May 2, 2011 after ownership of 32 years by 4th owner. Los Angeles car with original license plate.

2011-11-06 14:46:37 | pauls writes:

Nice wright up by Paul in the Nov. 2011 issue of XK Gazette. Restored and back on the road.

2022-12-14 09:07:36 | pauls writes:

Car now offered at:

www.hemmings.com/auction/1959-jaguar-xk150-607910_source=homepage&itm_medium=Auctions&itm_campaign=Recirculation

Seller's description:

Restored, Numbers-Matching 1959 Jaguar XK150 3.4 SE Fixed-Head Coupe With a Four-Speed

Vehicle Location Simpsonville, South Carolina

VIN S835824

Odometer 80,253

Engine 3.4-liter DOHC inline-six

Transmission Manual

Exterior Color Pearl Grey

Interior French Blue leather

Seller Private

Auction Type Reserve

This 1959 Jaguar XK150 is described by the seller as a fully restored, rust-free, numbers-matching 3.4-liter SE Fixed Head Coupe (FHC) from California, retaining the original factory colors of Pearl Grey over French Blue leather. The age of the restoration is unidentified, but the car continues to present very strongly as seen in the photos provided. Documentation of the car as originally presented is confirmed by a recently issued Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate.

According to the seller, the 3.4-liter engine is original to the car and has been rebuilt “less than 10,000 miles ago.” The exterior finish is described as a combination of original paint and later corrections. According to the seller, no modifications have been made to the powertrain, exterior, interior, or the chassis. Two full sets of wire wheels and tires, plus a trove of original and newer XK150 documentation, will be provided with the sale.

The engine that powers this 1959 Jaguar XK150 SE (Special Equipment) is a 3.4-liter double-overhead-camshaft inline-six with twin 1.75-inch SU HD6 carburetors and a modified B-type cylinder head with larger exhaust valves. The 3.4 SE engine was rated at 210 horsepower at 5,500 rpm when new, 20 hp more than the standard 3.4. The power is provided to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox.

The seller states that the engine in this car is original and numbers matching—along with the transmission, chassis, and body numbers, as identified on the Jaguar Heritage Certificate provided—and was rebuilt and balanced “approximately 10 years ago.” The seller also notes that the engine has “likely less than 10,000 miles” since the rebuild. Cold starts with an automatic choke are said to be made simply by turning the key and pressing the starter button. No smoke is reported on startup and “no real leaks” are reported, according to the seller, although the engine, transmission, and differential “weep as all 60-plus-year-old British cars do, and did, from new.” No issues are reported with the operation of the clutch and manual transmission.

EXTERIOR

According to the seller, and confirmed by the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, the exterior finish of Pearl Grey is the original color of this XK150. No rust or rust repairs are noted, as the car has reportedly spent most of its life in California. The seller notes that the finish remains in “excellent ‘driver’ quality, with what looks like a combination of original and newer paint that presents with a beautiful patina, and looks from a short distance as though it is a fresh paint job.” Small blemishes are present, like fading and thin spots. All brightwork appears as complete and displays as finely finished in the photos provided. The glass and all seals are described as in good condition with no reported leaks, and all lights are reported as working correctly. The seller describes the body as “rock solid,” with no modifications from original. The seller refers to documentation from restoration work performed over the years that was unfortunately lost in a fire during a previous ownership.

INTERIOR

The French Blue leather interior presents in near-fine condition, with only minor blemishes observed on one left-side rear trim panel and the door jambs. The seller describes the front and rear seating areas as in “near-new” condition, and that all seat adjustments function properly. The wool carpets are also described as “near new,” including the trunk area that has been finished with factory-correct Hardura materials sourced from England.

One of the easily observable interior differences between the XK140 and XK150 is the 150’s leather-covered dashboard, replacing earlier wood dashes. A wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel has replaced the original unit, which is included in the sale. No issues are reported with the gauges or controls. All interior trim is complete, with all leather and vinyl components shown in excellent condition, according to the seller. A new wool headliner, also sourced from England, is shown fitting tightly and the dome light is said to be functional. The manually operated windows and door locks are said to work, as does the heater. No modifications have been added other than the Nardi steering wheel. There is no radio or air conditioning.

CHASSIS

The manual rack-and-pinion steering “drives straight with no play,” writes the seller, also noting that the front suspension and steering assemblies were rebuilt at the time of the engine rebuild. The bushings and shocks are described as in good condition, and the vacuum-assisted four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes are described as excellent. The undercarriage has been previously undercoated, as seen in the provided chassis photos. Both the dual exhaust and wire wheels were standard equipment on the XK150 SE model.

New stainless-steel dual-exhaust system. The seller states two sets of wire wheels and tires come with the sale, both sets are shown in the photos and described as being in good “driver” condition. One set includes chrome wires wheels with blackwall tires, the other with silver painted wire wheels and period-correct whitewall tires. Both sets are described by the seller as “not new, but with new-looking tread.” Lacking the ability to determine the age of the tires, replacement is recommended for safety reasons if older than 10 years.

DOCUMENTATION

The seller states this vehicle will be sold on a clean South Carolina title in his name. As previously noted, the sale will include two sets of wire wheels and tires, the original steering wheel, original XK150 Operating, Maintenance and Service Handbook, along with numerous original and newer materials pertaining to the XK150, including the recently acquired Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate. This 1959 Jaguar XK150 SE 3.4 FHC, with an older restoration and important documentation, is a fine example of the model that bridged the gap between the XK120 through the XK-E. In the seller's words, "The car has recently been completely serviced, so it's absolutely ready for the road."