1959 Jaguar XK150 Coupé ‘S’ Specification

The XK150 was the final incarnation of the XK Series when it appeared in May 1957 and was offered as either a Fixed or Drop-Head 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. 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 180bhp 3.4-litre DOHC Jaguar straight-six.

The car offered for sale here was built on the 9th December 1959 as a UK-market, right-hand drive, 3.4-litre FHC fitted with the desirable manual overdrive transmission. It was supplied via Henlys Ltd. London to the dealership, Norton Thames Jaguar, and onwards to its first owner, a Mr D. Hewitt of London.

As wasn’t uncommon with XK cars of this era, this example’s original engine was subsequently replaced by a more powerful 3.8-litre XK unit (ZA 3378-8). Sometime later, in 1985, the then owner commenced a full bare metal restoration but during this process sold the car, in early 1992, to the Carriage Company. They took on the restoration, taking a further 18 months to complete it, ensuring all necessary chassis work (including ball joints, track rod ends etc.) and perishable items were up to MOT standard, plus oven-painting the bodywork in ICI 2-pack Carmen Red and re-chroming parts as necessary. The interior too was completely renewed and retrimmed in black Connolly hide piped in red.

Building on its bigger and more powerful 3.8-litre engine, the Carriage Company engineers carried out all relevant work to the powerplant to bring the XK up to factory ‘S’ specification. This included completely stripping the engine, regrinding the crankshaft, replacing the shells and engine seals, whilst also cleaning the pistons and fitting new rings. The ‘S’ specification included changing the head to a straight-port type with new valves, guides and a head overhaul with new gaskets. Triple 2.0” SU HD8 carburettors were then fitted with all the necessary linkages and throttle assemblies. All alloy parts were stripped, cleaned and polished. This enhanced engine was refitted, tested and tuned as near as possible to factory standard, generating an impressive 265bhp at 5,000rpm.

Our vendor acquired the car some 18 years ago (in 2005), during which time it has further benefitted from extensive work by XK specialists (notably Marcus Barclay of Buckinghamshire) to keep it in tip-top condition. We understand that he has invested around £25,000 during his ownership on its upkeep and servicing, supported by paperwork and invoices in the car's history file. Improvements include bodywork maintenance, electronic ignition, a header tank, inertia seatbelts, an alternator, stainless-steel exhaust, a Kenlowe fan and halogen headlights. The car has featured at The Hurlingham Club's ‘Salon Privé’, regularly attended the Le Mans Classic and, in more recent times, the Spa Classic – trips its does with ease, with occupants travelling long distances in complete comfort and with style and reliability – the brief of any high-performance Jaguar sportscar.

This venerable XK is in need of very little and starts and drives very well with good oil pressure and efficient cooling. It's offered to auction following a long and conscientious ownership period, where it was much-loved. Eminently driveable, this is a really lovely example of a timeless design with a desirable modern specification all tucked away inside the outstanding profile of this classic Jaguar roadster.