1959 Jaguar XK150 3.8-Litre Drophead Coupé

Registration no. XAB 264 Chassis no. S827329

Footnotes

This Jaguar XK150 drophead coupé was originally supplied by Horton's Garage, Redditch to the owners of Astwood Bank Farm, Redditch, and remained in the same family ownership until bought by one David De Saxe in December 1986. The original engine was 3.4-Litre but this was replaced early on by Jaguar, this change is recorded in the buff log book. Correspondence shows that Mrs Shirley-Priest had put the car away when her only son died, and when aged 87 decided to sell it 'to remove the sad reminder of better days'. On 22nd December 1998, Mr de Saxe sold 'XAB 264' to one A P Spender of Lockeridge, Wiltshire, who in turn sold it to Twyford Moors, the well-known Jaguar dealership. Previous owner Mr Harry Richardson purchased the car in August 2000.

A great deal of money had been spent by David De Saxe on works including replacement of the hood shortly after he bought the car, while invoices show that in 1993 some £22,000 was spent on a major 'body off' restoration by Rees Bros of Aldershot, carried out at approximately 60,500 miles. There is also a photographic record of the restoration on file. During the body rebuild the underside was completely under-sealed, while winter servicing included Waxoyling and steam-cleaning. Noteworthy features include later-type rear lights (fitted for safety reasons); a restored period radio, converted to FM reception; and a tailored hood bag.

In 1996 the engine was overhauled by well-known Jaguar specialist R G Bates of Birkenhead at a cost of £3,845, which included conversion for the use of unleaded petrol. This was carried out at approximately 63,000 miles.
There is a substantial quantity of paperwork on file dating back to the beginning of David de Saxe's period of ownership. Nearly all invoices have been retained, and the fastidious service records make interesting reading. Also included is an owner's manual and workshop manual together with a set of tools and the original jack.

In the 16 years that Mr Richardson owned the Jaguar it was fully maintained by his brother at his motor engineering business in Barnes, West London. All necessary works were carried out, as evidenced by numerous invoices in the substantial history file. In May 2016, new chromed wire wheels and Avon Turbo Steel tyres from MWS were fitted, while in August 2016 a new mohair hood and lining were installed, and the interior leather replaced/refurbished at the Trimming Centre in Lewes, East Sussex. The car was always kept in a modern, dry garage in ideal conditions. All expired tax discs and MoT certificates have been retained, supporting the current recorded mileage of 85,157.

The current vendor (its fifth registered owner) purchased the XK150 at Bonhams' Olympia sale in December 2016 (Lot 315). At that time it was stated that: "it runs extremely well and is a joy to drive. Considering the car's age, its performance is remarkable and motorway speeds are maintained with ease. Directional stability is said to be excellent, oil pressure good, and the cooling system has always, in the owner's experience, been entirely effective. Virtually no oil is consumed, though there is a small oil leak from the rear of the engine - an original design fault. The brakes are very efficient, having been up-rated at some time in the past, while the twin stainless steel exhausts emit a healthy throb."

Due to a number of factors not connected with the car, the owner has been unable to enjoy it in the way he had intended and in consequence it has been SORN'd for the entire period of ownership. Since purchase the XK has been carefully started on a regular basis and dry-stored in a Carcoon. In 2018 the fuel pump and windscreen washer unit were replaced and minor works carried out to the under-sealing. At the same time the vehicle was carefully inspected, checked and an MoT certificate issued.

In short: this is a very attractive Jaguar XK150 supported by an extensive collection of invoices, letters, JDHT Certificate and other documentation, constituting an exceptionally detailed provenance.