1958 Jaguar XK150 3.4 FHC

The XK120 was launched in 1948 and it was an international sensation finally putting Jaguar on the world stage and their competition successes would see the beginning of a hugely positive period for the company. The XK150 was the final incarnation of the XK series and it appeared in May 1957, as either a fixed or drophead coupé. 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. There were also larger wraparound bumpers fitted, a curved windscreen replaced the divided one on the XK120 and 140, and much needed servo-assisted Dunlop disc brakes were fitted all-round. 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.

The car offered for sale here is a 1958 XK150 3.4-litre, right-hand drive fixed head coupé, specified with a manual gearbox. It was manufactured for the UK Home Market on the 2nd April 1958, being dispatched on the 28th April, via Henlys of London. First registered on the 17th July 1958, this very well preserved example still wears its original number plate, whilst also retaining its original chassis and drive-train (supported by inspection, corresponding paperwork and a JDHT Certificate). Originally painted Pearl Grey with red trim, it was repainted in Indigo Blue in 1980.

The last time this car was sold, it did so with another prominent auction house, Coys of Kensington on the 4th May 1986, when our vendor purchased it. His long and diligent ownership saw the car go with him out to Spain, where it has been used sparingly for the last 30 years, occasionally being driven out on local rallies. The owner's dedication to the car extended to him utilising Jaguar specialists back in the UK to source parts and maintain its engine. In 2009/10 he commissioned long-established Jaguar parts company Norman Motors Ltd. of London to complete a full engine rebuild. They, in turn, utilised the skills of Greencats Ltd. of Colchester, who spent the best part of a year meticulously carrying out the work, at a cost of approximately £10,000. The car has covered just 2,600 miles since. The history file contains invoices and photographs of this work, plus many other bills for maintenance and parts over the years. Also present is a Jaguar/Daimler Heritage Certificate helping to confirm its matching-numbers status, an original Jaguar XK Service Manual, plus the bill of sale from 1986 and some old MoT certificates / V5c documents.

This very fine classic Jaguar car still retains a look and feel of genuine originality and authenticity. It is a credit to our vendor that money has been spent on mechanical componentry, whilst ensuring the preservation of many original features. The car drives and performs particularly well, having been driven back to the UK recently, some 1,800 miles, without issue or problem. Recently issued with a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) number and is awaiting re-registration in the UK with a corresponding V5c, enabling it to be reunited with its original registration number, FFB 486.

This distinguished and elegant car is in need of very little, but would benefit from some minor refreshing and auxiliary parts. 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, is testimony to the high regard in which they are held by dedicated owners and worth celebration.