1960 Jaguar XK150S 3.8

In Classic Car terms the word "Original" is normally understood to mean that a car is, as close as possible, composed of exactly the same components that it was wearing when it left the factory. Over time, the word has softened to mean that if those components are replaced, they are replaced with items that match exactly, and the closer a shiny classic looks to the day it left the showroom, the more it is adjudged to be original.The dramatic Jaguar, 3.8-litre XK150S 'Fast Road/Rally' spec on offer here is at the opposite end of the spectrum to the above definition and yet, in concept and execution, it is properly 'Original'. With post-war Jaguar concentrating on the manufacture of large comfortable saloons, the production of a two-seater sports car did not appear a priority, but with their marketing department sensing the future lay in 'performance' with all the "Grace, Space and Pace" stuff, the XK120 duly appeared and Jaguar was only going in one direction. All over the world, XK120s were stripped of their windscreens, the spare wheel removed, the tyres blown up, and "let's go racing". The essence of the XK is performance and competition, and they were never intended to become the comfort-driven, 'boulevard' cars that somehow the XK150 morphed into. So, in our opinion, this seriously quick, stripped and focussed, bright red 150S is absolutely entitled to be called 'original.According to the Register, RBN 376 began life on 17/03/60 as a Fixed HeadCoupé finished in Pearl Grey with a Red interior before being despatched to Parkers in Bolton. Over the next 55 years, this remarkable car has been entrusted to a number of specialists and the history file is two feet deep so we are going to paraphrase where possible. (This file will be available from our documents desk during the Sale).In 1990/91 the car spent some time at Peter Thurston, Classic Jaguar Specialists in Herne Bay for a full restoration and it may have been at this time that it was converted to a Drop Head Coupé. Certainly, the invoice for circa £58,000 suggests that the work was substantial. Post-1991, the car was maintained by KJC Bell who's invoicing up until November 1999 totalled £22,000. The owner prior to our vendor bought the Jaguar at this point and sent it to Twyford Motors for a competition upgrade and modifications to Rally spec. They had the car up until 08/2000 and charged around £60,000. The Jaguar was returned to Twyford in 2005/2006 for further upgrades and the fitting of a 'Sigma' competition engine and this time the bill was £58,000. (All of this is in the file).Our vendor purchased the 150 in August 2008 and it has since been maintained by Pearsons Engineering (Gary Pearson).Basic Specification and Modifications.Sigma Competition Engine (Fast Road/Rally) Getrag 5-speed gearbox16x 6.5 D-Type Wheels + 15" WiresAlloy Rad Kenlowe Fan Competition Oil CoolerAlternator Electronic Ignition Battery cut outs Upgraded lights, rear, fogPower Steering Poly bushed + Spax all round Geometry resetComp Pedal Box Split/Adj Brakes 4-Pot CalipersPlumbed-in Fire Eater Brantz Rally Meter Upgraded HeaterAlpine Sound + Sat Nav Fitted Luggage and TonneauFront and Rear Tow Hitches Travelling Spares.Obviously, there is quite a lot more but space does not permit.This is a striking, sporting XK and appears really well-prepared. If you enjoy motorsport and love classic Jaguars, you will not be able to walk by this amazing car. We welcome any inspection and please feel free to contact the office should you wish to view this car's interesting history in advance of the sale.