1959 Jaguar XK150 S 3.4 Litre Drophead Coupe
1 of just 104 examples made, sympathetically uprated for touring

Registration No: YSU 288
Chassis No: T838180DN
MOT: Exempt

• 1 of just 104 XK150 S 3.4 litre Drophead Coupes made (in both LHD and RHD)
• Supplied new to E. Schiller Esq of Illinois and later resident in Germany for many years before being repatriated in 1988
• Treated to a bare metal renovation and conversion to RHD by The Vehicle Restoration Co and subsequently improved by renowned XK specialist, Twyford Moors (engine overhaul / conversion to unleaded, interior re-trimmed etc)
• Purchased by the vendor from JD Classics in 2011 for £99,000 and subject to some £27,000 worth of fettling / maintenance since

The final iteration of the XK sportscar line, the XK150 was introduced in May 1957. While its use of independent torsion-bar front suspension, a 'live' leaf-sprung rear axle and rack-and-pinion steering mirrored the practice of its XK140 predecessor, the new model benefited from the option of all-round Dunlop disc brakes (though, in practice very few – if any - cars were delivered with drum brakes). Stylistically, the newcomer was brought up-to-date with less ostentatious curves and a larger, wrap-around single piece windscreen. With the E-type still very much under development, Jaguar was keen to sustain the sporting reputation that a remarkable five Le Mans victories (1951, 1953, 1955, 1956 and 1957) had earned it. Initially powered by a 3442cc derivative of the marque's race-proven DOHC straight-six engine, the XK150 could be specified with an enlarged 3781cc unit from late 1959 onwards. Available in Standard, Special Equipment or 'S' tune, the latter high-performance package comprised a Harry Weslake-modified cylinder head, more aggressive camshaft profiling, high compression pistons and triple SU carburettors. Like its lesser siblings, the XK150 ‘S’ could be had in Fixed-Head Coupe, Open Two-Seater (Roadster) or Drophead Coupe guises. With a claimed 250hp on tap, the 'S' 3.4 Litre cars were reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds and 132mph. Among the rarest of all XK variants, total (LHD and RHD) XK150 ‘S’ 3.4 Drophead Coupe production is thought to have amounted to just 104 cars. Unsurprisingly, survivors are highly prized by collectors.

According to its accompanying Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, chassis T838180DN was completed on 5^th March 1959 and supplied new to E. Schiller of Oak Park, Illinois. Initially finished in Carmen Red, the XK150 S is understood to have migrated to Germany (possibly in the hands of a US serviceman) not long afterwards. Repatriated during 1988 by Peter Cutler, the 2+2-seater was then entrusted to The Vehicle Restoration Co of West Sussex for a bare metal repaint, conversion to right-hand drive and sundry other works. Sold to Shell Oil executive Alan Hunt by Twyford Moors in 1998, he commissioned the renowned XK specialist to retrim the interior, install an alternator, uprate the cooling system (re-cored radiator, Kenlowe fan, alloy expansion tank), plumb-in a facet fuel pump and regulator plus fit new 6 x 15 chrome wire wheels and tyres. Mr Hunt subsequently had them thoroughly overhaul the original engine (including conversion to unleaded) and improve the hood. Humphrey Bunyan of The Classic Car Workshop refurbished the front suspension and further upgraded the Drophead Coupe with a Getrag five-speed manual gearbox, replacement fuel tank and SPAX shock absorbers all round.

Registered to Alexander Krahe of Twyford Moors thereafter, ‘YSU 288’ entered the current ownership via JD Classics for £99,140 in December 2011 at which time it was said to have covered just 9,000 post-restoration miles. Enjoyed by the vendor for numerous trips around the UK and into Europe, he has employed the services of Paul Roach Jaguar Ltd to maintain and fettle the XK150 S spending close to £27,000 over the past thirteen years. As well as servicing the 2+2-seater, the Acton, nr Sudbury based firm has rewired it, installed electric power steering, re-bushed the suspension, replaced the rear springs, overhauled the engine’s bottom end and renewed various back axle seals. Old MOT certificates on file suggest that the Drophead Coupe has covered some 22,000 miles since returning to the UK. Starting readily upon inspection and proving a doddle to manoeuvre with its power steering and five-speed gearbox, the Jaguar now presents as an older restoration. The paintwork has aged in places and the brightwork is imperfect. However, the seller admits he bought ‘YSU 288’ to drive rather than polish. Able to boast matching chassis, engine and body numbers, this genuine XK150 S 3.4 litre Drophead Coupe is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and history file. A tempting proposition indeed.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737