1959 Jaguar XK150 S 3.4 Litre Fixed Head Coupe
1 of just 86 right-hand drive examples

Registration No: YDA 779
Chassis No: T824842DN
MOT: Exempt

• Supplied new by Charles Attwood of Wolverhampton to W.E. Brettell-Vaughan of Brierley Hill, Staffs
• Treated to an extensive bodywork restoration in 2010 and thorough engine overhaul during 2014/2015
• Fitted with a larger 3.8 litre cylinder block in the 1970s but thought to retain its original 'straight port' cylinder head
• Current ownership since 2016 and the recipient of circa £13,700 worth of fettling by marque specialist Twyford Moors three years later
• Uprated with a Kenlowe fan, Lumenition electronic ignition and EZ power steering

The final iteration of the XK sportscar line and the last Jaguar to carry a separate chassis, 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 (while, the ‘S’ 3.8 litre versions could apparently top 140mph). Among the rarest of all XK variants, total right-hand drive XK150 ‘S’ 3.4 Fixed Head Coupe production is thought to have amounted to just 86 cars. Unsurprisingly, survivors are highly prized by collectors.

According to its accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, chassis T824842DN was built on April 3^rd 1959 and supplied new via Charles Attwood of Wolverhampton to W.E. Brettell-Vaughan of Brierley Hill. First registered as ‘YDA 779’ that same month, the XK150 S passed through the hands of dealers Richard Proctor and Jeremy Wade during the 1970s before being bought by A. Cuthbert who joined the Jaguar Drivers’ Club at the decade’s end. Belonging to Mr Cuthbert for some thirty years during which time it underwent a colour change and was upgraded with a larger 3.8 litre engine block, the Fixed Head Coupe was acquired by C. Lewis in November 2009. Mr Lewis subjected the Fixed Head Coupe to an extensive nine-month restoration that reportedly encompassed the bodywork, paintwork, interior trim and sundry mechanical fettling. Sold by Eclectic Cars to H.L. Penny of Pretoria during 2011, the vendor repatriated ‘YDA 779’ five years later. Treated to a photographically documented engine overhaul whilst in South Africa, the Jaguar has since been entrusted to marque specialists K.J.C. Bell and Twyford Moors. The former attended to the carburettors, exhaust and speedometer etc (£1,773), while the later fitted a refurbished steering rack with EZ power assistance, renewed the front / rear hubs and seals, sorted various wiring issues and set-up the suspension etc (£13,698.92).

Drawn to ‘YDA 779’ because his mother used to have a similar Jaguar XK150 S Fixed Head Coupe in period which she planned to campaign until a motorcycle practicing starts inadvertently rammed it at a race meeting, the vendor is only selling the car to help fund a laudable business venture. Starting readily upon inspection and running well during our recent photography session, the power assisted steering and smooth clutch made manoeuvring easy. The original engine number (VS1941-9) appears visible to the cylinder head albeit we could not see one on the block. Variously rated by the seller as ‘very good’ (electrical equipment, four-speed manual plus overdrive transmission) or ‘excellent’ (engine, bodywork, paintwork, interior trim), this handsome and decidedly rare Big Cat is accompanied by a UK V5C Registration Document and history file.

PLEASE NOTE: This lot developed a fuel leak whilst being loaded onto the transporter to come to Duxford. The vendor has stated that he will cover the cost of repair for a successful purchaser.

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

PLEASE NOTE: This lot developed a fuel leak whilst being loaded onto the transporter to come to Duxford. The vendor has stated that he will cover the cost of repair for a successful purchaser.