Estimated Price: £50,000 - £65,000

Introduced in 1957 as the final evolution of Jaguar's hugely successful XK sports car lineage, the XK150 followed in the footsteps of the XK120 and XK140 but represented a considerable step forward in both appearance and usability. The familiar 3.4-litre XK straight-six remained at its heart, the body was modernised with a wider, one-piece windscreen and revised bodywork, and four-wheel disc brakes brought a significant improvement in braking performance. Available as a Fixed Head Coupé, Drophead Coupé and ultimately the Open Two Seater, the XK150 combined the renowned XK performance with greater refinement and long-distance ability.

This original right-hand drive XK150 Drophead Coupé was delivered new to its first owner, Mr H. Bentley of Altrincham, on 1st December 1958. 954 XUR was specified with the 3.4-litre straight-six and four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive from the factory, as denoted by the ‘DN’ suffix on its chassis number, and finished in the quintessential combination of British Racing Green with Olive Green leather (known at the time as 'House of Commons Green', the colour scheme it retains today. Historic records also identify both its engine and cylinder head as V5914-8, confirming its matching numbers status.

Perhaps most interesting is the car's remarkably preserved condition and unusually low mileage. It spent many years in Switzerland where it formed part of a formidable private collection and was displayed in a museum environment. This example's strong suit is undoubtedly its originality, particularly the condition of the chassis, underside and mechanical components, presenting as a car which has been carefully preserved and maintained rather than extensively restored.

Having subsequently returned to the UK, the XK was offered at auction in 2014, when it was acquired by our vendor. It shows just two owners in the UK and has now remained with its current custodian for over 12 years. Importantly, rather than simply continuing its life as a museum piece, our vendor has regularly enjoyed the XK on the road and describes it as particularly reliable.

Prior to his acquisition, the suspension and braking systems had been refreshed, including stainless steel brake callipers front and rear, four-pot front callipers and adjustable Koni dampers. It has additionally been converted to negative earth and fitted with an alternator, sensible improvements for a car to be regularly enjoyed. It sits on stainless wire wheels shod in Vredestein Sprint tyres and continues to present really well.

The odometer currently indicates approximately 22,500 miles and whilst it is difficult to categorically warrant mileage on a car approaching 70 years old, its prolonged period within the Swiss collection, impressive originality and overall condition lend considerable credibility to the belief that this represents its genuine mileage.

Accompanied by a good history file and with a provenance stretching from its original 1958 delivery, through long-term Swiss collection ownership and into 12 years of regular enjoyment with our vendor, this is a particularly appealing XK150. Being matching numbers, with a believed 22,500 miles and impressive degree of originality, 954 XUR offers the increasingly difficult to find character of a carefully preserved XK that has also demonstrated itself to be a reliable and thoroughly usable example.