1960 Jaguar XK 150 3.8 S
SOLD
'The Jaguar XK150 is undeniably one of the world's fastest and safest cars. It is quiet and exceptionally refined mechanically, docile and comfortable... we do not know of a more outstanding example of value for money.' - The Autocar, 1958.
In the autumn of 1959 the XK150 became available with the 3.8-litre engine first seen in the Mark IX saloon. 'Standard' (220bhp) or 'S' (265bhp) states of tune were offered (the latter featuring overdrive as standard) and in either form the XK150's increased weight was more than offset by the power of the larger engine, the car regularly recording in excess of 130mph in magazine road tests. The 3.8-litre 'S' is one of the rarest of the family with less than 70 built in right hand drive, dhc specification.
Representing the XK150 in its ultimate configuration, with the 3.8-litre 'S'-specification engine and overdrive gearbox, this car was manufactured on 8th March 1960 and registered later that month to L. Lipton Ltd, London. The XK changed hands twice before it was offered for sale by Hexagon of Highgate in 1972 when it was bought by committed Jaguar enthusiast John Pollard. Pollard would enjoy the car until late 2022!
At the time of purchase, in its original livery of Cotswold blue with a light blue interior the XK was enjoyed on a very regular basis though with an expanding family, a more spacious 420G took over the mundane trips and the XK was preserved for the more enjoyable ones. During his 50 year tenure, not only did he keep every document relating to his ownership, there are also letters with previous owners, magazine articles, souvenirs from tours and photographs illustrating the extent of the works carried out. Some 6 A4 files!
The major restoration took place over a period of twelve plus years which included a ground up, body off chassis, repaint and trim in his desired shade of carmine red with tan. The engine had been rebuilt by renowned expert Ron Beaty of Forward Engineering and is still super smooth to this day.
Presented in superb condition, showing few signs of age following its restoration while possessing an authentic feeling of both being enjoyed and meticulously maintained.