2023-08-19 07:59:38 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 8/23

www.iconicauctioneers.com/1959-jaguar-xk150-rec12755-1-silverston-0823

Auction description:

Lot Number 742

JAGUAR XK150

Registration Number 384 YUB

MOT Expiry Exempt

Chassis Number T824867DN

Engine Number VS1963-9

Transmission Manual

Body Colour Carmen Red

This Jaguar XK150 3.4 S is an original, UK, right-hand drive car and was dispatched in May 1959 to H.L. Abbott Motors Ltd of Essex and still displays the dealer’s plate in the engine bay. The car comes with solid history file including the original logbook, a record of previous owners and a selection of detailed letters from previous owners dating back as far as 1969. 

The car's original owner was Davey & Armitage Ltd. The car was then sold to a Francis Gibson of East Dean Sussex and subsequently, in 1965 it was bought by Fernando Semprini, a very successful English pianist, composer and conductor. From there, the car changed hands a few more times within the UK, with the history file showing its movements until the early 1970s.

At some point, the Jaguar was exported to Denmark and its believed to have been restored out there. Little is known of the car’s history during this period, however, it resurfaced in the UK in restored condition in 2006 having had the colour changed from Cotswold Blue to Red. Fortunately, the car still appears to retain its original engine and gearbox etc and was nicely restored.

In 2010, the XK was purchased by its current owner, returned to the UK and re-registered. Since then, no expense has been spared in caring for this venerable Jaguar and there are many receipts detailing recent expenditure. Since its return, besides regular maintenance, the car has benefited from a respray and a full engine rebuild. It has also been lightly upgraded to improve reliability including a 'dynator' (alternator which looks like the original dynamo), electronic ignition and an electric cooling fan.

This is a beautifully-presented car with near-faultless paintwork and excellent chrome. The interior shows some signs of age since its restoration which gives the car a charming, lived-in feel whilst still looking very smart. To drive this XK150 is a joy. The gearbox is smooth and the overdrive engages swiftly. The ride and handling are just as you would wish for an XK to behave and the whole driving experience inspires confidence.