1958 Jaguar XK150 SE 3.8 Litre Drophead Coupe

Lot details
Registration No: OSU 612
Chassis No: S827017
Mot Expiry: May 2007

Last flowering of the separate chassis XK sportscar line, the XK150 was introduced in 1957. A more sophisticated and refined design than its forebears, it benefited from the adoption of four-wheel disc brakes and a more generously proportioned cabin. Available with a choice of 3.4 litre or 3.8 litre DOHC straight-six engines (in various states of tune) allied to either four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission, it proved an effortless strong performer. Although, the XK150 could be ordered in standard trim, the majority of customers seem to have opted for the factory-fitted 'Special Equipment' (SE) pack which incorporated wire wheels, front spotlights, overdrive gearing, tuned B-type cylinder head and a twin exhaust system. More expensive than its Fixed Head Coupe and Roadster siblings, the range-topping Drophead Coupe boasted occasional rear seats and a fully-lined hood. Priced at £1,969 7s 0d in SE guise, it claimed some 2,682 sales during a four-year production run.
Finished in deep metallic blue with tan leather upholstery, this particular example is considered to be in good overall condition save for some paintwork imperfections. Beginning life as a very early right-hand drive 'Special Equipment' Drophead Coupe (the seventeenth car built - or so its chassis number would imply), we understand that 'OSU 612' has since been mechanically upgraded with a 3.8 litre Jaguar engine and five-speed Getrag manual gearbox. Nicely trimmed, its interior sports a wood rimmed steering wheel and after-market wood veneer dashboard (though, the hood mechanism has apparently caught the lining in one or two places). Said by the vendor to "drive extremely well" and to have passed a recent MOT test without needing any work, it benefits from smart chromework (including comparatively new wire wheels). Showing an unwarranted 67,613 miles on its odometer, this handsome Jaguar is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until May 29th 2007 and historic class (free) road tax until May 2007.