1957 Jaguar XK150 3.4-Litre Coupé
Registration no. 404 XVC
Chassis no. S834952BW

One of only 674 XK150 fixed-head coupés built with automatic transmission, this left-hand drive example was delivered new to the USA via Jaguar Cars, New York. Its first owner was Chester Firestein, grandson of Max Factor, who would go on to become Chairman and Chief Executive of Max Factor Inc. Mr Firestein has advised the vendor that he bought the XK150 as a 19-year-old from Jaguar's West Coast main dealer in Los Angeles, Charles Hornburg, located on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood.

Chester Firestein recalled: "It was a great looking automobile with its graceful front fenders and fun to drive. However, it seemed to have a good many mechanical and electrical problems. It was, more often than not, in need of repair. I suffered with the car's numerous electrical and other issues. One morning I went to my garage and the car failed to start - a frequent ailment. For some reason, I turned on the lights - and the engine started. That was more than I could tolerate. I kept the engine running and drove my beautiful Jaguar to a used car dealer and sold it on the spot. I am hopeful that after so many years, the problems I encountered have been fixed".

The current vendor purchased the Jaguar in the USA in April 2015. From 2016 to 2019 it has been undergoing restoration, including a bodywork overhaul, at Glamorgan Classic Cars in Cardiff, though the works required were not extensive as the car was in such good condition. The vendor advises us that the chassis is impeccable, the car having been on the West Coast most of its life, and believes that the 82,000 miles on the odometer is supported by the condition of the engine, body, and chassis. Two-tone cream and grey when acquired, the XK has been returned to its original Carmen Red.

Noteworthy features include new Coopercraft disc brakes andfull-length stainless steel exhaust system fitted. Chrome wire wheels have replaced the original steel wheels (available if required). The interior trim, the vendor believes to be original, has not been touched. The engine and gearbox have had oil/filter changes.

'404 XVC' is said to drive beautifully, the exhaust emitting a lovely purr, while the automatic transmission makes for a wonderfully relaxed drive. Accompanying documentation consists of the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, and a V5C registration document.