2019-07-21 14:28:29 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 8/19

www.bonhams.com/auctions/25221/lot/138/

Auction description:

Sold for US$ 134,400 inc. premium

Lot 138

Quail Lodge Auction

16 Aug 2019, 10:00 PDT

Carmel, Quail Lodge & Golf Club

1960 Jaguar XK150 3.8 Drophead Coupe

US$ 110,000 - 140,000

Chassis no. S838620

Engine no. VA1377-8

Completed at the Browns Lane factory on January 5, 1960, and dispatched to Jaguar Cars New York 17 days later, this XK150 Drophead Coupe is a coveted 3.8-liter version, introduced in October 1959. It was originally finished in cream, with a red leather interior and a fully lined black convertible top. According to figures from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, it was the seventh left-hand drive XK150 DHC constructed for the 1960 model year, out of a total of 397 built. The car was originally sold to a G.F. Ploutz of Roscoe, Illinois. It was at one point in the ownership of a Mr. Leslie Rich of St. Louis, a Jaguar enthusiast who was the team dentist for several professional sports teams.

The XK150 was treated to a full, body-off restoration by JK Restorations of Oswego, Illinois. Jim Kakuska, who opened the shop in 1981, and his brother, Gary, who joined him five years later, are highly regarded marque specialists, and their cars have won a number of national first-place awards. All of the Jaguar's needs, mechanical and cosmetic, were addressed during the restoration. Paint, brightwork and panel fits are all first-rate.

With an eye toward greater usability, two thoughtful modifications have been made to the XK150. The original Moss four-speed gearbox has been replaced with a Medatronics JT5 five-speed, the product of a full-time transmission manufacturer that has been proven in use since 1995. The Medatronics unit employs the original Jaguar clutch and features a short-throw shifter.

The other modification has been to install a power steering unit from EZ Electric Power Steering, a Dutch company that has been in business for 12 years. This compact, electric unit is entirely hidden below the dashboard cover, and uses the Jaguar's factory steering gear, so is easily reversible to stock.

The consignor has made excellent use of the XK150's capabilities, entering the car in six major long-distance rallies since 2010, including the Holyland 1000 in Israel, Colorado Grand, Copperstete 1000 and California Mille. The vehicle is described as highly reliable, and ready for more adventures. This XK150 is offered with a certificate from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, the original tool set, manuals and the paint formula. A new clutch was recently fitted.

The XK150 is the ultimate refinement of a highly desired Jaguar XK model, particularly when equipped with the legendary 220bhp, 3.8-liter DOHC six. This example, beautifully finished in classic British Racing Green with a green leather interior from highly regarded specialists Bassett's, comes fully sorted and ready to be enjoyed.