1958 Jaguar XK150S 3.4-Litre Roadster

Registration no. TAS 814 Chassis no. T831714DN

Footnotes

"The Jaguar XK150 is undeniably one of the world's fastest and safest cars. It is quiet and exceptionally refined mechanically, docile and comfortable...but we do not know of any more outstanding example of value for money." -Autocar.

A progressive development of the sensational XK120 and XK140, the XK150 retained the same basic chassis, 3.4-litre engine, and four-speed Moss transmission of its predecessors but benefited from an entirely new body providing increased interior space and improved visibility courtesy of a single-piece wrap-around windscreen. A higher front wing line and broader radiator grille were other obvious differences but the new model's main talking point was its Dunlop disc brakes: at last the XK had stopping power to match its prodigious straight-line speed. Introduced in the spring of 1957, the XK150 was available at first only in fixed and drophead coupé forms, the open roadster version not appearing until the following year. At 190bhp, the engine's maximum power output was identical to that of the XK140, so performance was little changed.

'Special Equipment' and 'S' versions came with 210 and 250bhp respectively, the latter delivering an astonishing 0-60mph time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 136mph. This was achieved by the introduction of the Weslake-developed 'straight-port' cylinder head, high-compression pistons, triple 2" 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, while a Thornton Powr-Lok limited-slip differential was available for the XK150S. Steel wheels remained the standard fitting, though XK150s so equipped are a great rarity, as most were sold in SE (Special Equipment) specification with centre-lock wire wheels. The much-admired chromed Jaguar mascot was made available as an optional extra on an XK for the first time.

Bolster concluded his review thus: "It combines extreme performance with perfect manners to a quite exceptional degree, and it has a sporting appearance that is entirely suitable for the most formal occasions. Being a Jaguar, it is really hardly necessary to remark that it represents outstanding value for money".

Manufactured on 10th November 1958, chassis number 'T831714DN' is one of 846 3.4-litre XK150S models made in left-hand drive configuration. The accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate reveals that the car was originally finished in cream with red trim and fawn soft-top, and that it was despatched to Jaguar Cars New York on 26th November 1958. Information on file from the XK Register of Arizona lists two previous owners: John Gimple of Indian Hills, Ohio and Richard Harvey of Cold Spring, Kentucky.

In August 1997, this car's late owner contacted Dan Mooney of Classic Jaguars (USA) Inc of Austin, Texas and expressed an interest in having an XK 150 restored. This example was sourced from a dealer in Kentucky, purchased and trucked to Austin (purchase receipt on file).

Reportedly, the car was complete and in good driveable condition with no signs of damage and very little rust: an excellent starting point for a ground-upwards restoration. It was decided that the XK should be restored to the highest possible standard and to original condition such that it could be entered into concours competitions with a good chance of achieving 100 points.

There are numerous receipts on file and the bound Jaguar Drivers Club history folder contains photographs of the work together with an original chassis plate and the following breakdown of costs incurred to December 1997:

Purchase car: £33,000
Strip down: £5,359
Engine rebuild: £3,000
Interior trim: £3,900
Wire wheels and tyres (x5): £2,000
New gearbox: £4,300
Hood: £850

There are also numerous invoices available for subsequent maintenance, including bills for a complete overhaul of the steering rack by British Car Service of Tucson, Arizona in October/November 2001.

The deceased owner was a very capable DIY mechanic and after touring the XK in the USA post-restoration he brought it back to the UK in April 2003 and worked on the car himself. He would often solicit the help of marque specialist Andrew Tart (Andrew Tart Motor Engineering), who regularly serviced the car and at some time in the last 18 years stripped, rebuilt and balanced the carburettors. Andrew advises us that the owner was a real enthusiast who entered numerous rallies with great success, including a tour of Russia, the Balkans and North Africa, never breaking down!

Some jobs, however, are best left to experts, and in December 2006 the engine was rebuilt by VSE, overseen by HRG Classic Jaguar, who overhauled the suspension and fuel pump in April 2007. Other noteworthy works include overhauling and re-balancing the prop shaft (May 2009); machining and balancing the flywheel and repairing the starter motor (2011); and fitting an anti-roll bar (2012). Annual servicing including oil changes was carried out by the owner.

Finished in British Racing Green with matching leather interior and black hood, the car has been sensibly upgraded with a five-speed gearbox, twin ignition coils, and an on/off switch for the fuel pumps. Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate and the aforementioned history file and bills. The original gearbox is included in the sale.