ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE
We have traded quite a lot of Jaguar XK’s because we personally love these cars. They are beautiful to see and a dream to drive. The power of the engine and the handling of the car is just excellent and although it’s a lot of money, the Jaguar XK is relatively affordable. Cars which have the same appearance and the same driving capabilities are often much more expensive.
This specific Jaguar XK is 1 of the rarest example we have offered for sale.
The car was newly sold in 1960 in the United States, in California to be more precise.
The car was not often used and was already taken from the road in 1968. It came in a garage in the warm state of California which was the best what could happen to the car.
Due to the warm climate the condition of the car stayed excellent.
In 1999 the car was bought by a Dutch gentlemen from the 1st. owner. This 2nd. owner, a Jaguar maniac with a very high restoration level decided to buy this car and bring it back to superb condition.
Many years passed to bring this car in the level it currently is. The car was nut and bolt restored and when the restoration was finished the 2nd. owner decided to sell the car. Via a traded the Jaguar came in our hands and it is believed that the Jaguar only drove 7.000 miles since new!
Introduced in the spring of 1957, the XK150 was available at first only in fixed head and drophead coupé forms, the open roadster version not appearing until the following year.
The Jaguar XK 150 was the ultimate expression of Jaguar’s fabulous ‘XK’ series of sports cars arrived in 1957.
The XK150 was a progressive development of the XK120 and XK140, retaining the same basic chassis, 3.4-liter engine and four-speed Moss transmission of its predecessors.
A Jaguar XK 150 is not just an ordinary classic sports car. Actually it is a very rare and not often seen example of a superb driving classic. But if you have the feeling that an XK 150 is a bit common, then you have to look for a more special type of the XK 150.
What about an original 3.8 example?
There are not so many people who have the exact figures in mind, but only 532 Jaguar XK 150 Drophead Coupes are made with a 3.8 enigine.
In other words, only 7% of the total production of Jaguar XK 150’s are Jaguar XK 150 Drophead Coupe’s which are equipped with a 3.8 litre engine.
This specific example still shows the correct numbers on the engine head as well as the underblock of the engine which is off-course a very nice extra.
CONDITION EXTERIOR
Taking the best possible base for restoration, a car which has been always stored in a warm and dry climate gives the opportunity to make a perfect car.
This car with only 7.000 miles on the odometer which was stored since 1968 couldn’t be a better base for a restoration.
The car has been completely taken apart and has been completely restored. Every part has been overhauled including the body, but also the drivetrain, gearbox and off-course the engine.
The exterior of the car has been extensively restored but because of the perfect storage situation the exterior didn’t need much work such as welding or replacement of parts. The result is that this is an extremely original car with a beautiful exterior. The body is excellent with a very nice deep shinning paint. Wonderful chrome, a new soft top and perfect gaps of the doors, boot and bonnet.
Most unique is the fitting of the soft top on the body. We have seen very often Drophead Coupe’s with big gaps between the windows and the softtop. This example has a beautiful closing soft top showing again the excellent base of restoration.
Other unique details such as the welding points in the door are perfectly visible and not plastered away as many times happens when the restoration of a car is done in the wrong way.
This car is from another kind, it’s beautiful restored and the exterior condition is best described as extremely nice.
CONDITION INTERIOR
The interior of the Jaguar has been fully restored as well with period correct materials.
The leather on the seats but also the seat frames are all restored.
The Mulberry red leather seats fit the exterior color extremely well. All handles, gauges and instruments are restored and in a perfect working order.
The hood of the Jaguar has also been fully restored and both the inside and and outside are in as new condition.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The driving capabilities of this Jaguar are superb. The car is fitted with an overdrive which means in other words that the car has a sort of 5 speed gearbox which makes the car suitable to drive on the motorway for longer trips as the revs will be reduced dramatically.
An XK is in it’s standard specification with 3.4 engine and 4 speed gearbox a great car to drive. But this specific example with the upgraded 3.8 engine and 4 speed gearbox with overdrive is a dream to drive.
The XK 150 3.8 is a seriously fast car, a car which can be used for all sorts of goals, a holiday trip, a long distance rally but even on a circuit or as a daily summer driver to go to work and clients.
The handling of an XK is fabulous. The response of the steering, the gas pedal and the brakes is impressive for a 1960’s car.
The XK 150 was originally delivered with 4 disc brakes which is a great benefit because of the easy driving of the car and the huge engine. One can easily drive this car on high speed and good brakes are very important.
Altogether, the Jaguar XK is not only a beautiful car to see, it is also a fantastic driver and certainly in this unique specification and with this unique history.