1959 Jaguar XK150S 3.4-Litre Drophead Coupé
Registration no. YOE 890
Chassis no. T827334DN
Engine no. VS1947-9

A progressive development of the sensational XK120 and XK140, the XK150 retained the same basic chassis, 3.4-litre six-cylinder engine and four-speed Moss transmission of its predecessors but benefited from an entirely new body providing increased interior space and improved visibility courtesy of a single-piece wraparound windscreen. 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; at last 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 coupe forms, the open 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, the latter sufficient to propel the XK150S to well over 130mph. Overdrive and automatic transmission were options.

This overdrive-equipped example of one of the most sought-after of XK150 variants was purchased by the immediately preceding owner from Porters of Kensington in May 1985 (purchase invoice and Sunday Times advertisement on file). Its accompanying Jaguar Heritage Certificate records that the car was originally supplied as a demonstrator to Birmingham dealership P J Evans on 20th April 1959.

Shortly after acquiring the 'XK', the preceding owner entrusted it to specialist restorers V & R Autos of St Johns Wood, London for what turned out to be a two-year major coachwork restoration including a colour change from black to Old English White, the interior having already been re-trimmed in red leather (see detailed photographic record and invoices on file). From then onwards the car was used sparingly, including one or two continental tours.

When purchased from Porters, 'YOE 890' came with a profusion of maintenance invoices and the preceding owner continued to have the Jaguar maintained in top mechanical condition as evidenced by numerous accompanying bills. Also on file is an almost complete run of expired MoT certificates (22 in number) dating from January 1985 to November 2010, from which it may be deduced that the speedometer was changed in the late 1990s. It is estimated that the preceding owner had driven the car around 20-22,000 miles before offering it for sale at Bonhams' Beaulieu auction in September 2012 (Lot 585) where it was purchased by the current vendor.

A full inspection was then undertaken by JD Classics and all subsequent restoration work has been carried out by a local Jaguar specialist, spanning the period 2013 to date. Works undertaken have included repairs to the body, trim, instruments and electrical items; replacing fuel tank, windscreen, fuel pipes/hoses and air cleaner assembly; and fitting new wire wheels and spinners; seals and rubbers; bonnet and boot badges; hood cover and relevant fittings and fixtures. In addition, the car has received a power steering kit, electric cooling fan kit and a new higher capacity battery. The interior too has been extensively refurbished and the leather upholstery re-Connollised. We are advised that the total cost of the aforementioned works was in excess of £22,000 (bills available). Said to look good, drive well and turn heads wherever it goes, this beautiful and desirable XK150S drophead coupé is offered with current MoT and a V5C registration document.