1959 Jaguar XK150 3.4S Fixed Head Coupé

Launched in 1957, the Jaguar XK150 was the most radical step forward in the XK range since the launch of the revolutionary XK120. The XK150 was vastly different in both style and performance from the XK140 it replaced and was a much bigger step forward than had been taken from the 120 to the 140. The most striking external change was the straighter wing line, widened bonnet and single wrap-around windscreen, which replaced the, now dated, two-piece split screen. This gave the XK150 an altogether more modern look. More generous interior space was also achieved by putting the doors on a diet and the wooden interior was lost in favour of leather-clad dashboard and door caps.

At 190bhp, the 3.4-litre engine's maximum power output was identical to that of the XK140, so performance was little changed, but ‘Special Equipment' and 'S' versions offered 210bhp and 250bhp respectively, the latter delivering an astonishing 0-60mph time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 136mph. This improvement in performance resulted from the adoption of a Weslake-developed, straight-port cylinder head, high-compression pistons, triple two-inch SU carburettors and twin electric fuel pumps. Overdrive and a Borg-Warner automatic gearbox were the transmission options, the latter becoming an increasingly popular choice, whilst a Thornton Power-Lok limited-slip differential was available for the 150S. Steel wheels remained the standard fitting, although XK150s so equipped are a great rarity, as most were sold in SE (Special Equipment) form with centre-lock wire wheels. 

This Jaguar XK150 3.4 S is an original, UK, right-hand drive car and was dispatched in May 1959 to H.L. Abbott Motors Ltd of Essex and still displays the dealer’s plate in the engine bay. The car comes with solid history file including the original logbook, a record of previous owners and a selection of detailed letters from previous owners dating back as far as 1969. 

The car's original owner was Davey & Armitage Ltd. The car was then sold to a Francis Gibson of East Dean Sussex and subsequently, in 1965 it was bought by Fernando Semprini, a very successful English pianist, composer and conductor. From there, the car changed hands a few more times within the UK, with the history file showing its movements until the early 1970s.
At some point, the Jaguar was exported to Denmark and its believed to have been restored out there. Little is known of the car’s history during this period, however, it resurfaced in the UK in restored condition in 2006 having had the colour changed from Cotswold Blue to Red. Fortunately, the car still appears to retain its original engine and gearbox etc and was nicely restored.

In 2010, the XK was purchased by its current owner, returned to the UK and re-registered. Since then, no expense has been spared in caring for this venerable Jaguar and there are many receipts detailing recent expenditure. Since its return, besides regular maintenance, the car has benefited from a respray and a full engine rebuild. It has also been lightly upgraded to improve reliability including a 'dynator' (alternator which looks like the original dynamo), electronic ignition and an electric cooling fan.

This is a beautifully-presented car with near-faultless paintwork and excellent chrome. The interior shows some signs of age since its restoration which gives the car a charming, lived-in feel whilst still looking very smart. To drive this XK150 is a joy. The gearbox is smooth and the overdrive engages swiftly. The ride and handling are just as you would wish for an XK to behave and the whole driving experience inspires confidence.