1957 Jaguar XK150 3.4-Litre Drophead Coupé

Registration No: VSK 423
Chassis No: S837165
MOT: Exempt

• Exhaustively restored in the early 1990s, with much of the work completed by Bridport Jaguar Restoration Centre
• Restoration written and photographically documented
• In current registered ownership since repatriation in 1989
• The quintessential Jaguar: British Racing Green, Tan leather, and wire wheels
• Accompanied by an extensive history file documenting the purchase, import, restoration, and its subsequent trips throughout Britain and Europe

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 1¾in. 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 Coupé (FHC) and Drophead Coupé (DHC) guises, 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 By the time the model was superseded by the E-Type, some 4,445 FHCs, 2,672 DHCs and 2,265 OTSs had been produced.

This charming XK150 has only ever had one private British owner, having been originally exported to America, and then cherished by the same enthusiast upon its repatriation in 1989. Factory records indicate that ‘VSK 423’ was manufactured as a left-hand drive, 3.4-litre Drophead Coupé on December 3rd, 1957. Finished in Cotswold Blue with a Blue hood and Dark Blue interior trim, it was despatched on December 23rd to Jaguar Cars of New York. What happened to it while it was in America is not recorded, but when it came back to Britain it was a major project.

The registered keeper explained his reasons for taking it under his wing: “For years I had wondered about acquiring an XK150. During the late ’80s I became aware of the rapidly increasing prices of classic sports cars, particularly Astons and Ferraris, and a work colleague persuaded me that I should buy then or I may never afford one. I tracked this car down in the U.S.A. viâ an agent in Germany and having been assured of its excellent condition purchased it unseen. I imagined tinkering with the mechanics and getting some immediate use. In July ’89 it was delivered to my work address in a trailer. I was shocked by the condition. Neither steering nor engine was connected, parts of chrome trim were missing, and it was obviously far from being drivable.”

After losing confidence in the first restorer, the vendor entrusted the XK to the Bridport Jaguar Restoration Centre, which set about overhauling the chassis and engine, and refurbishing the body from the bare metal. Rust in the rear wings and panel meant that the most economical solution was to replace the rear-end bodywork. When Bridport finished its work, the interior was reupholstered by Ken Day. The restoration reached completion in the spring of 1992, when the Jaguar was first registered with the D.V.L.A., and the owner wasted no time in going out and enjoying the car.

He took it to Paris three times in 1992 and ’93, and other journeys in 1993 included a trip to the XK Day at Burghley House and summer tours of the North of England and Brittany. It received further use during 1994, although 1995 was a quiet year as the owner was preoccupied with the restoration of another XK150 Drophead Coupé. In 1996, ‘VSK 423’ was taken to the South of France and, in 1997, both XKs went to Auvergne viâ Brittany and covered the 1,500 miles faultlessly. Both cars were present at the XK 50th Anniversary event at Castle Donington in 1998, and they returned to the South of France in 2000. Perhaps the Jaguar’s grandest tour to date was a fourteen-day rally round the North of Spain with the XK Register in 2016.

Since it has been enjoyed so extensively, ‘VSK 423’ has benefitted from regular maintenance as and when required. In 2004, VSE overhauled the engine’s bottom end, and occasional cosmetic refreshment has included a partial repaint. In 2010, a new hood was made by Aldridge Trimming for £3,300, and in 2017 a new clutch and master cylinders were fitted.

The XK150 still presents in very good order some thirty-five years after its original restoration, and is no doubt eagerly awaiting its next Continental jaunt. It is to be sold with a very large history file, including a J.D.H.T. certificate; a souvenir brochure from the 50th Anniversary event; many restoration invoices and photographs; M.O.T.s dating back to 1992; and invoices from specialists such as M. & C. Wikinson, Guy Broad, Heddell & Deeks, Colin Webb, Paladin Jaguar, and VSE.

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