Highlights
- This car is sold on dealer consignment
- Beautifully presented in popular colour scheme
- Enhanced specification to improve drivability
- Matching numbers car
- Good history file showing considerable investment
- Very good condition across bodywork and interior
- Will be sold freshly serviced
The Appeal
The E-Type may have stolen its thunder over the last few decades but enthusiasts are returning to Jaguar’s remarkable XK sports car.
And with good reason. It is utterly gorgeous and delivers a level of practicality - bigger doors and the option of four seats - that the E-Type is less strong on.
Jaguar’s post-war sports car may be beautiful but it was built with function in mind: a slippery, aerodynamic shape that would maximise the performance of the new XK engine and deliver results where it mattered, at Le Mans.
It fully achieved on that goal, along the way garnering decent sales and enabling the firm to continuously improve it. The final iteration was the more powerful XK150 with updated aesthetics. Like the earlier cars it was available in three formats, of which the Fixed Head Coupe was particularly popular.
This wonderful 1958 FHC looks fantastic with its popular combination of gunmetal grey over red. It benefits from considerable improvements by its owner and in great condition across the bodywork and interior. We are told there is a possible engine fault, but with that investment sorted this offers a fantastic way into one of the most beautiful coupes of the post war era.
The History and Paperwork
- Manufactured on 18th August 1958 and despatched to New York on 3rd September 1958
- Jaguar Heritage Certificate provided with the car
- This shows the first owner living in South Carolina and a black over red specification
- Matching numbers car - gearbox has been replaced but original supplied with car
- Exported to the Netherlands in May 2001
- Second owner acquired the car in 2009 and has used it for touring and club events
- Original handbooks
- Magazine articles
- 2 keys
Notable investment by the seller:
- 15,000 Euros on servicing and related work in 2012 covering engine, carburettors and steering
- Serviced in 2015 at cost of 1,900 Euros
- Power steering fitted in 2015 at cost of 3,600 Euros
- Serviced and valves adjusted in 2020 at cost of 950 Euros
The Interior
- Exquisite burgundy leather interior in superb condition
- Appears to have been retrimmed and Smiths dials restored or replaced
- Colour is original according to Heritage Certificate
- Fitted with power steering, which can be removed if the buyer wishes
- Later bucket seats fitted, originals with car and can be refitted if required
- Practical 2+2 configuration with small rear seats
- Leather dashboard in matching burgundy
- Contrasting factory-correct grey panel
- 4 spoke factory steering wheel in great condition
- Correct ‘5spd’ gear knob in original factory style
- Headlining is factory correct and well kept with no visible marks
- Boot area follows theme with excellent trim and no deterioration
Much of the appeal of a Xk150 FHC lies in its delightful interior, which manages to be both practical and beautifully detailed. The dashboard layout will be familiar to owners of Mk2s and E-Types, but here it is leather trimmed beneath a lovely body curve.
This car left the factory finished in red inside and it pleasingly retains that finish, although has clearly been retrimmed and refurbished. It is in superb condition, displaying just why these cars are so desirable. It is also a practical place to be with big doors and two small rear seats.
The car is factory standard except for the useful addition of power steering - this can be removed if the buyer wishes - and bucket seats. These are a very attractive design but can be easily removed and the originals refitted, which are provided with the car.
The Exterior
- Beauitiful gunmetal grey metallic paintwork in superb condition
- Great panel fit, particularly on the doors which align well
- Chrome is well kept and bright
- 16in chrome wire wheels equipped with classic design Vredestein tyres
- Chassis presents as clean and solid with no issues to report
- We understand that the car has been partly restored and had its engine rebuilt in 2008-2009 at Classic Car Venlo (formerly Niessen)
For the XK150 Jaguar wisely chose not to mess with the XK’s near perfect lines. The front wings are less curvaceous, there is a one piece windscreen, bigger bumpers and wide bonnet but otherwise it is much the same as those beautiful early cars.
This 1958 example left the factory finished in black but has been restored in gunmetal grey metallic. It is a colour that works particularly well on this car, which explains why it is a popular alteration when these cars are restored. The paint is of a high standard and the bodywork presents well with excellent panel fit, particularly on the doors.
There is a small paint blemish on the passenger door but otherwise the finish is very nice. The chromework, including the 16in wire wheels, is similarly well kept. The underside continues the theme with no issues to note.
The Mechanics
- 3,442cc Jaguar XK straight six engine developing around 200bhp
- Tremec 5spd manual gearbox fitted
- Original matching numbers box provided with the car
- All fluids have been checked and renewed
- Car will be serviced prior to sale
- Suspension recently aligned and new Koni shock absorbers fitted
- Front crankshaft seal, pressure plate and thrust bearing recently renewed
- Fitted with a high torque starter motor and 123 electronic ignition
- Battery cut off switch in passenger footwell
- Good oil pressure and we are told it does not smoke
- Significant expenditure by the vendor exceeding 21,000 Euros since 2009 and detailed above
The 3.4litre XK engine at the heart of this XK150 was designed to win at Le Mans but proved so enduring in the firm’s road cars that it remained in production well into the 1980s. The 3.4litre displacement is a particularly sweet-revving unit and delivers a healthy 200bhp.
This car has been fitted with a Tremec 5spd manual gearbox to improve long distance cruising. It appears to have been used regularly for rally and touring trips. The original 4spd Jaguar gearbox is provided with the car, making this a correct matching numbers example. Other useful enhancements include a high torque starter motor and electronic ignition.
This uprated XK 150 is a delight to drive with the easy handling, easy gear change and nice and powerful 3.4 Litre engine. Look at the driving video and see how effortlessly you can turn a street or take a roundabout. Anyone can comfortably drive this XK150. This car steers easier than even some modern cars.
This uprated XK 150 is a delight to drive with the easy handling, easy gear change and nice and powerful 3.4 Litre engine. Look at the driving video and see how effortlessly you can turn a street or take a roundabout. Anyone can comfortably drive this XK150. This car steers easier than even some modern cars.
Although the engine holds good oil pressure and does not smoke, we are told by the vendor that there is a slight noise detectable when running. 2 different mechanics have tried to source the sound but according to them nothing has been found. However we think the cylinder head will have to be removed and maybe even rebuilt. A video is available showing this noise for complete transparency.
Summary
The XK150 is one of the British motor industry’s triumphs: beautiful, quick and practical too. Good examples in desirable colour combinations are particularly in demand for their usability.
Enjoy the pictures and don’t forget to watch the walk-around, interior, drive-by, onboard and start-up videos to get a good impression of the quality of the car.
This car leans into that theme with its 5spd gearbox and power steering.
Now offered on dealer consignment, this XK150 benefits from a 5-speed gearbox, 16 inch chrome wire-wheels, electric power steering and adjustable seats while the original gearbox (matching number) and seat parts are with the car. A fresh oil service is included for the new owner.
Whether you choose to keep those enhancements or return it to standard, this beautiful example looks very compelling.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.