1958 Jaguar XK150 3.4 FHC (manual)

A desirable RHD Fixed Head Coupe with a manual gearbox Owned by our vendor since 1980 Believed to be matching-numbers (TBC) Very presentable and starts 'on-the-button' The XK150 was the final incarnation of the XK series and it appeared in May 1957, as either a fixed or drop-head coupÚ. A more refined and capable machine than its predecessors, the 150 was noticeably different from earlier versions of the XK theme with a higher scuttle and door line, whilst the radiator grille reverted to the thinner slats of the XK120 but was altogether wider. The bumpers were deeper and wrapped around, a curved windscreen replaced the divided one on the XK120 and 140, and much needed servo-assisted Dunlop disc brakes were fitted at each corner. However, the XK150 retained much of the mechanical layout of the 140 sharing the same 3.4-litre DOHC Jaguar straight-six, which developed 180bhp at 5750rpm. The car offered for sale here is a 1958 XK150 3.4-litre, right-hand drive fixed head coupÚ. Its chassis number allocation of S824485BW falls exactly into the prescribed database range consistent for its year, model and type. The number S824485BW appears to be stamped properly/consistently/reliably on its wholly original-looking chassis plate (found on the nearside near the bulk-head under the bonnet). Furthermore, its engine number stamping of V4279-8 can also be seen in the correct location on the engine (see photo), making it again consistent with the numbers stamped on the chassis plate and the details held by the DVLA. It is unknown about the gearbox number at this stage, and enquiries are being made with Jaguar as to a Heritage Certificate and its original factory specification. Research done by Silverstone Auctions on the engine number and the gearbox number (the one quoted on the chassis plate & V5C) suggests that this car was one of the very earliest XK150s to be fitted with a British-made automatic gearbox. The automatic transmission was not always favoured, and at some point prior to 1980, the car was fitted with the desirable Moss manual gearbox, which it retains today. The XK was purchased by our vendor, a real Jaguar enthusiast, in January 1980 and in circa 1990/91 it was treated to a full, body-off, re-build, a high-quality bare-metal respray (changed from blue to white), total rust protection down to the chassis. plus a full engine re-build, costing in excess of ú15,000 (in '90/'91). The majority of this work was done/overseen by 'Classic Specials' of Uckfield. The car was later maintained by Jaguar specialists 'J. Murphy Engineering' of East Sussex, who knew the car very well and were asked by the owner to do a full assessment of it for insurance purposes in August 1997. PMO 688 has always been garaged, carefully maintained, and only driven sparingly. In 2015, the owner decided to fit an EZ electric power steering system to the car due to his advancing years. The accompanying history file contains many invoices for its restoration and servicing, plus numerous MoT Certificates, which, intriguingly, range from November 7th, 1979 showing 2,764 miles to June 12th, 2015 showing 16,038 miles. The mileage on each of the MoT certificates during this 40 year period shows a wholly consistent/logical progression. It may well be that this car has only ever covered 16,218 miles, which is what is indicated currently. This distinguished and elegant car is in need of very little and starts and drives very well with good oil pressure and efficient cooling. It comes to auction following a long and conscientious ownership period, where it was much-loved. For cars of this era to hold onto such patina, whilst still being so eminently driveable mechanically, pays testimony to the high regard in which they are held by dedicated owners and worth celebration.