1957 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupe

The XK150 was the final incarnation of the popular XK from Jaguar. Appearing in May 1955, it was a more refined and capable machine than its predecessors from 1948. The 150 was easily identifiable by its higher scuttle and door line, wider grille and improved interior space, however, the XK150 retained much of the mechanical layout of the XK140 sharing the same 3.4 litre DOHC Jaguar straight-six, which developed 180bhp at 5750rpm.

As before with the XK range, standard (steel wheel) and special equipment models were available, but a bewildering range of models were to evolve. Firstly, in 1958, the 'S' model was announced, equipped to special equipment specification and with a more powerful engine, though still of 3.4 litre capacity. Late in 1959 further options became available with the introduction of the 3.8 litre engine so the XK150 became available not only as 3.4 litre, but with two versions (normal and "S") of the 3.8 capacity. It was not unusual for 3.8 litre engines to be transplanted into earlier models either.

The car offered here today is a 1957 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupé, original 3.4 Litre and specified in left hand drive despite the intention for the car to be registered in the UK. The reason for this unusual choice was that the first owner in 1958, Mr Carlos Thompson, was an Argentinian banker from Buenos Aires. The car was ordered by him (likely with the intention to one day take home with him) and spent its early life registered to Bank of America, his employers, with the owners address listed as the Hyde Park Hotel, London. One can imagine the pampered life that this car endured in London in the 1950's and 60's, most probably commuting the handful of miles from the bustling West End to the City!

Retaining its important original Coventry license plate of "UHP 347' which it still boasts today, this XK, believed converted to right hand drive circa 1962 and still sporting its original 3.4 litre engine reappears with then owner, Mr Stewart Brown of Edinburgh in December 1979, as he made contact with the owners club.

The history picks up again in 1996 when acquired by our vendor at auction in need of complete restoration. The meticulous work that followed was conducted by Phoenix Car Restorations and was overseen by the owner with sympathetic attention to originality. Still in right hand drive configuration, the result of the lengthy restoration is a beautiful and capable Jaguar XK finished in the best colour combination of Royal Blue with rich Red leather interior and a blue mohair hood with blue tonneau. This is a now a magnificent example of what has long been considered the best of the illustrious XK model range. Since restoration the owner has covered just 6,000 miles, always in the dry. Advancing years have decreased the owners' ability to enjoy the car and this is why he has reluctantly decided to sell.

The original buff log book, original bill of sale and Jaguar Guarantee accompany this vehicle, so too does a comprehensive scrap book detailing the restoration and of course, the original "UHP 347' Coventry license plate which adorns the car. The Jaguar XK150 remains one of the most desirable post-war British sports cars of all, and with good reason!

Please note, this cataloguer has discovered some internet chatter suggesting that this car received an engine upgrade to a 3.8 litre unit between 1996 and present which the vendor, who owned the car throughout this period, and Silverstone Auctions believe to be untrue. We are investigating this further so please contact us to learn more.