1958 Jaguar XK150 3.4 Litre Drophead Coupe
Original RHD and very rare factory automatic

Registration No: NSU 695
Chassis No: 827204BW
MOT: Exempt

• 1 of just 623 right-hand drive cars XK150 DHCs manufactured
• Very rare factory automatic example
• In current ownership for twenty three years
• Matching numbers example

By the time the XK150 was launched in May 1957, Jaguar had won Le Mans four times and was about to do so once again - what a backdrop against which to market a new sports car. Though the newcomer was a logical progression of the XK140, subtle changes to the bodywork gave this final iteration of the XK models a distinctly more modern air. The split windscreen was replaced with a single sweep of toughened glass and the scuttle height was raised, along with the waistline. The bonnet was widened and the bulkhead on the Roadster was moved rearwards by four inches. Inside, the walnut dashboard of the XK140 was replaced by one trimmed in leather. Thinner doors gave more interior space. The standard engine was the 3.4-litre DOHC straight-six unit of the XK140, but most early 150s were fitted with the optional SE version that sported a cylinder head with larger exhaust valves and a pair of 1.75-inch SU carburettors. Still more power was available from 1958 in the form of the 'S' engine and its straight-port head linked to three SUs, for which 250bhp was claimed. The XK150 was also the first production Jaguar to be equipped with disc brakes. At launch, the XK150 was offered in Fixed Head Coupe (FHC) and Drophead Coupe (DHC) guise, the Open Two-Seater Roadster (OTS) following in 1958. By the time the model was superseded by the E-Type, some 4,445 FHCs, 2,672 DHCs and 2,265 OTSs had been produced.

Chassis ‘827204BW’ was manufactured in 1958 and is one of just 623 original right-hand drive XK150 Dropheads. Interestingly supplied new to Ireland, the Jaguar is finished in Cream paintwork with a Black hood and has a complementary Red leather interior upholstery. A ‘matching numbers’ example, ‘NSU 695’ features its original 3.4-litre engine, allied to the very rare factory three-speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission. Returning to the United Kingdom mainland in 1989, the XK150 has had just four keepers since the Jaguars return and has resided in the vendors ownership for the last twenty-three years. Used widely during the vendor’s ownership of the XK150, the has benefitted from sensible upgrades during this time, including fitment of seat belts. Provided with an overhaul of the Borg-Warner gearbox during the current custodianship, the XK150 has further benefitted from a recent front brake overhaul and a new radiator.

Described by the vendor as being a ‘very honest and straight example’, the vendor rates chassis ‘827204BW’ as being in ‘very good’ condition in regard to the bodywork and paintwork, and as having an ‘excellent’ engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, and interior upholstery, noting that even the clock and fuel gauge work! Offered with a large history file, ‘NSU 695’ is supplied with a Heritage Certificate, a large selection of invoices, sundry paperwork and current V5C document. A highly desirable ‘matching’ numbers, original right-hand drive, automatic transmission example, this XK150 has much to recommend it.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452