Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
27th Nov, 2024 13:00
1957 Jaguar XK150 Convertible Uprated to 3. 8 'S' Specification
No Reserve
Registration No: KSJ 164
Chassis No: S834794DN
MOT: Exempt
Supplied new to the USA in Fixed Head Coupé form and later reworked to Right Hand Drive Drophead Coupé Configuration
Uprated to 3. 8 Litre, triple carburettor 'S' Specification and fitted with a five-speed gearbox
Previously fitted 3. 4 Litre XK Engine Unit included in sale
Purchased by the current owner for £75, 000 from Graeme Hunt Ltd
The 1950s saw Jaguar win the world's greatest endurance race - the Le Mans 24-hours - more times (five) than any other manufacturer. A blend of existing and new technology, the XK150 was the Coventry firm's last model to feature a separate chassis but its first to be available with four-wheel disc brakes. Unveiled in 1959, the range-topping 3. 8 litre 'S' could be had in Roadster, Fixed Head Coupe or Drophead Coupe guises (the latter being the most expensive). With a quoted 265bhp and 260lbft of torque on tap thanks to its straight-port cylinder head and triple SU carburettors, Jaguar's flagship sportscar could only be had with four-speed manual plus overdrive transmission. Reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7. 6 seconds and 141mph, its performance was on a par with rival Aston Martin, Maserati and Ferrari offerings.
According to the Jaguar Heritage certificate supplied with the history file, chassis number S834794DN was first supplied via Jaguar Cars, New York, USA specified in Left Hand Drive, Fixed Head Coupé form. Little is known of the early history of the Jaguar, however it is understood to have been imported to the UK in 1990 and would remain in project state until it was sold by The Carriage Company of Silsoe, Beds in 1996 to a Mr A Woodward of Royston, Hertfordshire. The Carriage Company and XK Engineering were also given the task of the restoration for which there are a plethora of invoices on file between 1997 and 1998 which total approximately £40, 000. During this period, not only was the bodywork treated to a complete bare-chassis overhaul but the interior was re-trimmed, the 3. 4 Litre engine was rebuilt, suspension and brakes overhauled and other components were upgraded including the fitment of power steering, a five-speed Getrag gearbox and triple SU caburettors for 'S' specification. Photographs of the restoration also validate the invoices present.
Fast forward to 2011 and via a further keeper after Mr Woodward, the car was purchased by the current owner, Mr G Lucas MBE from Graeme Hunt Ltd for £75, 000. According to his family who fondly remember Mr Lucas enjoying the XK150, he purchased it as his father had also previously owned an 'S' specification XK150 and this car allowed a healthy dose of nostalgia. During his ownership, the car was further uprated with an overhauled 3. 8 Litre engine unit with 'straight port' cylinder head and Mark X inlet manifold with an automatic choke which is still fitted to the car today, although the 3. 4 litre power unit was put to one side and accompanies the car to the sale. Unfortunately, Mr Lucas' health condition is such that his family have opted to sell the Jaguar as it is now too much for him to look after, with one of the last jobs that he did being to strip the sump off to check the bearings which wasn't completed, and as such is presented in non-running condition.
Upon inspection, we noted that the XK's restoration has lasted remarkably well, and it is quite clear that it has been very well cared for prior to Mr Lucas' health decline. Although in non-running state currently, it should be an easy task to return the car to tip-top mechanical condition. The bodywork has also survived well, thanks to dry storage in a carcoon, however it should be noted that there are some scratches and bubbling in small areas that may need addressing. Now offered at our Buxton Pavilion Gardens Winter Sale at No Reserve, 'KSJ 164' is a fabulous opportunity for any enthusiast to improve and show or return to a running order and use as a true drivers' car in line with its healthy specification.
