First owned by Lady Sherbourne
1959 Jaguar XK150 3.4-Litre Drophead Coupé

• Delivered new in the UK
• JHT Certificate available
• Extensive bare metal restoration by marque specialists Twyford Moors
• Sensibly updated
• Present ownership since 2017

"The Jaguar XK150 is undeniably one of the world's fastest and safest cars. It is quiet and exceptionally refined mechanically, docile and comfortable. As with most cars, there are a few body details which could be improved, but we do not know of any more outstanding example of value for money." - The Autocar.

What would turn out to be the final glorious incarnation of Jaguar's fabulous 'XK' series of sports cars arrived in 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 of its predecessors 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. Cleverly, the new body used many XK120/140 pressings, the increased width being achieved by means of a 4"-wide central fillet. 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. 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 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. 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.

One of only 662 drophead coupés made, this example of one of the most sought-after of XK150 variants was delivered new on 29th September 1959 via the distributor Henlys Limited of London to its first owner, Lady Sherbourne, with the registration 'YDD 130'. According to the Jaguar Heritage Certificate, the original colours were Midnight Blue (a non-standard colour, so presumably requested by Lady Sherbourne) with grey interior and blue soft top.

Purchased by the current owner in 2017, the XK has clearly been looked after well, as numerous invoices on file confirm. Immediately prior to his purchase, the car had been comprehensively restored for the previous custodian by well-respected XK specialists, Twyford Moors. The restoration was finished in August 2016 at a cost of more than £43,000, excluding VAT. Detailed invoices are on file. Major works included the following:

Rebuild engine to 'fast road' specification
Five-speed gearbox conversion
Retrim including hood and hood bag
Electronic power steering
Alternator conversion
Bare-metal respray

Post-restoration the Jaguar has continued to be entrusted to Twyford Moors for servicing and minor repairs, while further servicing was entrusted to Jaguar Classic in Essen, Germany.

Perusal of the history file is highly recommended, and with a stunning colour combination and very sensible upgrades this delightful XK150 promises to be wonderful for spirited driving and the numerous rallies that these classic Jaguars are eligible for.