Lot details
Registration No: KPV 939
Chassis No: S825062DN
Mot Expiry: June 2006

The final iteration of the XK sports car 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 all-round Dunlop disc brakes. Stylistically, it was brought up to date with less ostentatious curves and a larger, wrap-around single piece windscreen. The dashboard too was altered eschewing wood trim for padded leather. With the E-type still very much under development, the XK150 played a vital role in sustaining Jaguar's hard-won sporting reputation (only Porsche and Ferrari can boast more Le Mans victories). Available in Standard, Special Equipment (SE) or (from 1958) ultimate 'S' guises, the model could also be had with a choice of 3.4 or 3.8 litre engines.
According to information supplied by the vendor, this particular example was supplied new to its first owner by Botwoods of Ipswich. As a 3.8 litre Special Equipment model, it may have been a few horsepower shy of the 'S' specification car he is reputed to have originally wanted but it still came with wire wheels, front foglights, four-speed manual plus overdrive transmission and a twin exhaust system. Thought to be 1 of just 656 such Fixed Head Coupes manufactured at the Browns Lane factory, KPV 939 is understood to have had just six registered keepers from new. Reportedly treated to an extensive 'body-off' restoration approximately six years ago at "an alleged cost of £50,000", work apparently included a bare metal respray in British Racing Green, full re-trim using Sage Green leather and a rebuild of the 3.4 litre engine (complete with "genuine C-type cylinder head") that it acquired in circa 1964. Consequently said to "drive exceptionally well on the road, holding the correct oil pressure and not overheating", this handsome Jaguar further benefits from correctly functioning instruments. Believed but not warranted to have covered just 81,000 miles from new, it is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until 22nd June 2006, historic class road tax, various restoration photographs and a history file which is "well worth inspecting".

PLEASE NOTE: The vendor has informed us that this vehicle had a new starter fitted on Saturday.