1958 Jaguar XK150SE Fixed Head Coupe

Jaguar’s XK line arrived in 1948 with the XK120 and proved to be highly successful for the company. Succeeding the XK140 was the 150 of 1957, which used the same chassis type, but with all-new body panels, a wrap-around windscreen, a wider body, and an improvement to the braking system with four-wheel Dunlop discs. Production of the XK ceased in 1960.

The previous owner of this original right hand drive XK150 was a motor body repair specialist by trade and purchased the motor car in 1992. He set about completing a major photographic restoration, which included a series of upgrades. Most notably, the Jaguar was equipped with a 3.8 litre engine and triple SU 2” carburettors; added to that was an electric cooling fan, a Moto-Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel, and a walnut veneer dashboard.

The interior was retrimmed in elegant light tan leather with matching carpets and a new West of England cloth headlining. The chassis was repaired as appropriate. The bare metal body restoration involved the replacement of numerous panels and a respray in Jaguar Carmen Red. Both windscreens were replaced.

The mechanical aspect was not overlooked; the braking system was overhauled with most components replaced, the manual gearbox was reconditioned, a new stainless steel exhaust system was installed and the steering and suspension were checked and rebuilt with numerous new parts. A new wiring loom was fitted with new electrical units, and the XK is sensibly equipped with an immobiliser. The motor car was fitted with new chrome wire wheels and the other brightwork was either replaced or rechromed. Indeed, the list of new parts used in the restoration is almost endless.

In March 2017, DVCA sold FEC 381 to the current custodian who, due to a change in circumstances, has regrettably decided to put the XK on the market. During this fifteen month ownership, a replacement fuel tank has been fitted, the carburettors have been overhauled and the braking system thoroughly checked (the rear brakes were stripped and rebuilt as a result). A new pair of tyres has also been fitted. 

The vast history file includes the aforesaid photographs, the schedule of replacement parts used in the restoration (which have never been totalled up!), a winners certificate for the best classic Jaguar in show at the London Classic Car Show at Ascot in 1997, the VE60 registration book, the V5 document, the current V5C, several MOT test certificates and a large quantity of invoices. A battery conditioner is also supplied.

Auction Date: 7 June 2018