1958 Jaguar XK 150 3.8 S DHC

The Jaguar XK150S was first introduced in 1958, following Jaguar’s attempts at improving the already innovative XK150 engine. For its time, the performance was something to be admired, boasting 265hp as a 3.8 litre straight 6. The improvised engine boasted tripe SU carburettors and a revised cylinder head. Although it looks as if Jaguar just renamed the XK120 and 140, the XK150 was a drastic improvement in all areas. Improvements were made to the bodywork, including the longer and wider bonnet. The engine was further improved from the XK140’s 3.4, to a 3.8, and you could order the car with 4 wheel drum brakes. Although as the successor to the E-Type and arguably overshadowed by its success, the XK150S remains to grow to be a highly desirable classic car.

First built on the 17th November 1958, it was shipped to New York, originally as a LHD with the 3.4l engine. The car was bought by the famous Hollywood actress, Pier Angeli, after divorcing her husband Vic Damone and also having an affair with the legendary James Dean. Little is known about the history from then until 1989, where it was purchased by a car dealer in California, later selling it in 1990. The car was then repatriated by to the the UK, followed by an extensive restoration. During the process, it was converted to RHD, along with being fitted with the 3.8l S engine, a 4-speed box, a wood veneer dashboard, Dunlop chrome wire wheels and was resprayed to white. The car was the registered by Mr M.B. Walker in Sheffield on the 1st September 1991, owning it for the next 23 years.

The current owner bought the car in June of 2014, who then promptly took it to an independent Jaguar specialist, Watjag in Derbyshire, undergoing a thorough, 15-month long, nut and bolt restoration. The work included, returning it to the original black coach work with a stunning red trim interior, an upgraded T5 gearbox and power steering were fitted. There is a full description of all the work under-taken, detailed by invoices and a DVD, displaying photos of the many stages during the process. Since being restored, it has only covered a mere 3630 miles. 

In June of 2017, the cylinder head was rebuilt by Watjag, due to an over-heating issue that materialised during a trip back from France. To eliminate the potential risk of it happening, a Revotec electric cooling fan was also installed. At the same time, the wheels were fitted with a new set of Pirelli Cinturato tyres.

The car has been MOT’d and serviced every year following the restoration, and comes with a valid MOT until May 2025. There is a substantial level of documentation, invoices and history that is provided with the car, along with its original handbook. Throughout its life, it has covered a total of 103,665 miles. It has also got its Jaguar Heritage certificate from the 10th June 2014.

This outstanding example offers itself in an exceptional condition, having had the excellent level of refurbishment and attention due to its passionate owners over the years. This eloquent car is truly a marque to the extraordinaire of British engineering and craftmanship, and embodies the overwhelming charisma of the dignified classic British sports car.