Jaguar XK 2015

0 Previous Owners, This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025 on Saturday the 8th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. , The XK150 was the final incarnation of the XK Series when it appeared in May 1957 and was offered as either a Fixed or Drop-Head Coupé and as a Roadster. A more refined and capable machine than its predecessors, the 150 was noticeably different from earlier versions of the XK theme, with a higher scuttle and door line, whilst the radiator grille reverted to the thinner slats of the XK120 but was altogether wider. The bumpers were deeper and wrapped around, a curved windscreen replaced the divided one on the XK120 and 140, and much needed servo-assisted Dunlop disc brakes were fitted at each corner. However, the XK150 retained much of the mechanical layout of the 140, sharing the marque's race-proven 180bhp 3.4-litre DOHC straight-six engine.The 'Special Equipment' (SE) package included enhancements like disc brakes, a more powerful engine with twin SU carburettors and a modified cylinder head (with an acclaimed 210bhp on tap) and larger exhaust valves; the SE 3.4-litre cars were reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 8.5 seconds and 124mph. Total XK150 DHC production amounted to just 2,672 cars for all right and left-hand drive versions, plus all 3.4-litre and 3.8-litre variants. Unsurprisingly, they are highly prized.The car presented here is a 1959 Jaguar XK150 SE Drophead Coupé (DHC), manufactured on 24th August 1959 and despatched to Jaguar Cars, New York on 11th September 1959; the last known registration in the US was for 23rd August 1981 in Greenville, Michigan. Our fastidious vendor wanted to restore an original, matching numbers, manual gearbox car for his own use in retirement, so chose the best example he could find. He purchased this particular car (chassis S-838380, engine V 7293-8, gearbox JL44585JS, body P7822) from a dealer in New York on 19th June 2014, it arrived in the UK on 8th August 2014 and was taken directly to Bristol Classic & Sports Cars of Clevedon on 15th August 2014. The DVLA authorised UK registration on 3rd December 2015 and allocated the registration mark 244 UYO.Our vendor instructed Bristol Classic & Sports Cars to carry out the most thorough and exacting restoration/upgrade program to his newly acquired XK. They commenced a fully documented nut and bolt restoration on 8th October 2014 and it was completed on 25th July 2016. The car was stripped to its bare chassis, whilst the bodywork and engine were painstakingly refurbished. The cars original 3.4-litre straight-six was thoroughly overhauled and subsequently upgraded with a later 'S'-specification triple-carburettor cylinder head, whist its original manual gearbox was, likewise, upgraded to 'S'-specification with overdrive for increased drivability.In addition, the steering, suspension and disc brakes were reconditioned, renewed or improved as necessary and a new wiring loom was installed. The car was repainted in period-perfect classic British Racing Green and was treated to a totally re-trimmed interior in Biscuit leather, a new black mohair hood, re-plated chrome, and new polished stainless steel wire wheels shod with new radial Blockley tyres. Other highlights include triple 2" SU units with separate air cleaners, an electronic fuel pump, an electric Kenlowe radiator cooling fan, stainless steel 6-branch manifolds and stainless steel exhausts, adjustable shock absorbers, extensively Polybushed, electric EZ power steering, electronic ignition, CTEK smart battery charger connection, Xenon headlights, heater upgrade, seat belts in silver webbing with Jaguar chrome buckles, a new/old-style radio/CD player, and a Sterling 'Scorpion' alarm and immobiliser.Since restoration, the car has always been garaged and has never been driven on a wet road. The pre-restoration mileage of 46,773 is believed to be correct and the odometer indicated just 48,785 miles when the car was photographed. The engine is now nicely run in and the whole car, although obviously not new, looks and feels just like it.It’s accompanied by its Jaguar Heritage Certificate, a large history file, numerous photographs chronicling its rejuvenation, an owner service handbook, Jaguar workshop manual, XK owners parts catalogue, and a 'collector edition' parts catalogue.This is a really lovely example of a classic design with a desirable modern specification, all tucked away inside the timeless profile of this classic Jaguar.