1958 Jaguar XK150 SE 3.4-Litre Coupé

• One of 1,368 right-hand drive fixed-head coupés made
• Matching engine and chassis numbers
• Professionally restored since acquisition
• Extensive history file

What would turn out to be the final glorious incarnation of Jaguar's fabulous 'XK' sports car family arrived in the spring of 1957. As its nomenclature suggests, the XK150 was a progressive development of the XK120 and XK140, retaining the same basic chassis, 3.4-litre engine and four-speed Moss transmission while benefiting from a new, wider body that provided increased interior space and improved visibility courtesy of a single-piece wrap-around windscreen, replacing the XK140's divided screen. The new model's main talking point, though, was its Dunlop disc brakes. Fade following repeated stops from high speed had been a problem of the earlier, drum-braked cars, but now the XK had stopping power to match its straight-line speed.

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. 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.

One of 1,368 right-hand drive fixed-head coupés made, this Jaguar XK150 to SE specification is finished in its original colour of Cotswold Blue with grey leather interior. Chassis number '824375DN' left the factory on 22nd April 1958 and was supplied to its first owner via Henlys in London. The car was registered as '999 CAE'. Passing through the hands of several owners during its early years, the XK was nevertheless well maintained and comes with extensive history. The current vendor, a Jaguar enthusiast, acquired the car in 2021.

Since then he has commissioned a body-off restoration, which was carried out by marque specialists Rushton Engineering Ltd. In addition, a mechanical overhaul was undertaken, including a complete engine rebuild. Additional refurbishment included a rewire of the electrics; interior re-trim including carpets; replacing front and rear wheel bearings, suspension bushes and joints; a braking system overhaul; and fitting new tyres.

The car is offered with an extensive history file containing a current V5C Registration Certificate, Heritage Certificate, photographs of the body-off restoration, and numerous invoices.