The ex Dr Stephen Ward - 1959 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupe

The XK120 was launched in 1948 and was an international sensation. The XK finally put Jaguar on the world stage and the racing derivatives would see the beginning of a hugely successful period for the company. The XK150 was the final incarnation of the XK and it appeared in May 1957. A more refined and capable machine than its predecessors, 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 including the same 3.4 litre DOHC Jaguar straight-six, which developed 180bhp at 5,750rpm. As before with the XK range, standard (with steel wheels) and special equipment models were available, but a bewildering range of models was 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 and the XK150 was available not only in 3.4 litre versions, but two versions (Normal and "S") of the 3.8 variety.A total of 2,200 XK150 Drophead Coupé models were made, of which 85% (left-hand drive versions) were sold to America, 10% went to the rest of the world and only 5% came to the UK Market. This original right-hand drive XK150 Drophead Coupé has had a total of only 5 owners from new. Finished in the lovely colour combination of Old English White with dark red leather interior, this 150 has been stored in a temperature controlled carcoon with its current owner. Subsequently, both the interior and bodywork are in superb condition. Photographs in the history file detail a ground up restoration by marque experts Marina Garage. The odometer is reading 9,500 miles and this is since the restoration was completed. The original number plate, WLY 150, is included in the sale and the car is being sold simply due to lack of use. Supplied with a current MoT test certificate, this stunning XK150 Drophead Coupé remains one of the most desirable post-war British sports cars of all, and with good reason considering the very limited number of right-hand drive examples manufactured. Not only does this example offer its next owner exclusivity and rarity but a notorious history to boot, as confirmed by Peter Ingram of the XK Gazette:

“S827299DN. 150 DHC. OEW. Eng. V6609-8. UK reg. WLY 150. This car has been listed in old Jaguar Daimler Registers for many years but now we can confirm that it has a celebrity and somewhat infamous past. Members in the UK of a certain age will remember the Profumo scandal of the early 1960s, which mixed sex, spies and politics as well as the rock and roll of the times. We have just established that this is the actual XK owned by Dr Stephen Ward, the “friend” of the even more infamous Christine Keeler. Former owner and current Classic racer, Peter Swete of Braintree in Essex, bought it in the late 1960s from the estate of Ward after it had been in storage. He says that its glove box contained a couple of bits of paraphernalia related to its former celebrity users!"

Few Jaguars can boast such a fascinating ownership record and one that seemingly defined the era when it was first driven. We believe that XK Roadsters and Dropheads offer classic British open-top motoring for a very reasonable outlay and also represent a most sensible investment given the current performance of the market. This car is a piece of British motoring history that would take pride of place in any Jaguar collection.