1. IN BRIEF

Mileage: 18,277

Engine: 3442

Colour: SIGNAL RED

Body: Convertible

Fuel: Petrol

Transmission: Manual

Year: 1959

Registration: 843UMY

2. SPECIFICATION

Just arrived with us an original, UK-registered XK150 3.4 Drophead Coupé that has been extensively restored from the chassis up. Purchased by the present owner in 1989, the XK was in need of some serious TLC and a comprehensive restoration was commenced, Now finished in gleaming Signal Red with a black leather interior and chrome wire wheels, the quality of fit and finish is simply exceptional. That level of attention to detail was not restricted to the car's cosmetics as the Jaguar is also mechanically superb throughout with some desirable touches incorporated such as dual exhausts, spotlights and overdrive.

The car is accompanied by a comprehensive history file detailing the build and subsequent trips throughout the UK and Europe. A pleasant surprise are the pages of handwritten notes that are a delight and something so rarely seen today. Look further through the documentation and you will find numerous invoices and associated paperwork from the likes of VSE, Forward Engineering, Aldridge Trimming, Motor Wheel Services and M&C Wilkinson, names that have become part of the UK Jaguar scene over the years and are renowned for their expertise and knowledge and indicative of the emphasis on having each aspect of the car's restoration dealt with by the appropriate expert.

3. MODEL HISTORY

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. 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 3.4-litre DOHC Jaguar straight-six, which developed 180bhp at 5,750rpm.