1959 | Jaguar XK 150 3.4 S DHC

This is an outstanding car, truly top class in every respect. It’s a UK Home Market RHD car with matching numbers and from the paperwork its believed to have covered less than 62000 miles from new. 696 KPE has also been subject to a first class, magnificent body off restoration over 20 years ago and has covered several hundred miles since. Having been dry stored for many years, a recent owner spent around £7500 on re-commissioning work ahead of the car coming to us to be sold in early 2023. We then quickly sold the XK150 to a existing customer who commissioned £12500 of work to include various upgrades such as power steering, alternator conversion, Black powder coated aluminum radiator and Revotec fan. Having enjoyed some faultless summer and autumn classic motoring, the XK now returns to us as its owner looks to change around his collection.

We have the XK's original brown ‘buff' logbook, a comprehensive file of paperwork but what's most impressive is the high quality of the restoration all those years ago. The XK150 DHC was built on the 19th May 1959, a factory Drophead Coupe supplied new to its first owner in Queen Elm Square in Chelsea SW3. The XK changes hands a few times during its early life, heading to Oxford before a return to London, Jermyn Street SW1 to be specific in 1965. We have an MOT on file dated 1967, and it would appear the XK then was off the road for several years. By 1980 the XK was ready for restoration and a bill of sale dated July 1980 is with the car confirming it was sold for £1900 with 60,699 miles recorded. A long term, top class restoration was then started, and the car completed by 1999, mileage recorded at 60854 miles.

The restoration was something quite special, the body coming off the chassis and parts purchasing was underway during the early 1980's, but it wasn't until 1995-1999 when the majority of work was carried out and the car completed. From inspecting the car it really is difficult to believe it was restored so many years ago, it is truly exquisite on the bodyshell and chassis, and mechanically exceptional. To restore the car to the highest of standards, XK Jaguar Body specialists Contour Autocraft were contacted in 1980 to supply panels for the rebuild. Their body parts are of high quality and were intended for use by restorers whose aim was total originality with panels not requiring drilling or alterations. A company called Abbey Farm Racing carried out major mechanicals including an engine rebuild but in 1995 Jaguar restorers Davenport Cars took on completion of the restoration, working alongside Contour Autocraft to ensure the completion of a top quality restoration of the very highest of standards. With the chassis and mechanicals with Davenport Cars and the body with Contour Autocraft, on completion of the panel work Davenport Cars built the XK from the chassis up, re-fitting the bodyshell and taking it to an outstanding finish. From 1995 to 1999, invoices alone from Davenport Cars totalled over £55,000, and considering the value of the car in the late 1990's (half that cost alone), the low labour rates of the 1990's, this was a huge level of expenditure and not including all the costs on restoration work during the 1980's and early 1990's. Due to the time gone since the early mechanical work, the Jaguar restorers went through the engine again, and ensured the end result was a totally, fully rebuilt example with renewed brightwork, trims, rubbers, beautifully re-upholstered interior, stunning detailed and as new engine bay and of course, first class beautifully presented chassis. As impressive as the quality of workmanship are the pages and pages of highly detailed invoicing that accompany the car.

Since completion in 1999 just a few hundred miles have been covered. Its long term owner from 1980 sold the car in 2021 after 31 years of ownership and very few miles. Its new owner spent around £7500 with an XK specialist having upgraded brakes, an overhaul of the fuel system including carb rebuild and a lined fuel tank The XK has had all new coolant hoses, new chrome wire wheels, new tyres, refreshed and cleaned dynamo, new voltage regulator, differential cover gasket and various other detailed items along with a major service due to the lack of miles. Having spent all of its life in the South of England, in 2023 we transported the car here to Yorkshire and offered it onto the market. We quickly sold the XK and carried out the £12500 of work to include the various upgrades. The condition of the car is outstanding, the paintwork gleams, even under the arches, and the bodywork is exceptional with superb, first class panels and gaps. The interior is beautifully finished, the engine bay exceptional and the attention to detail right throughout the car is impressive. The car starts up perfectly, it's in excellent mechanical order. The XK feels tight, precise, the engine is top class - fit and holding excellent oil pressure. The gear changes on the Moss gearbox are smooth, the overdrive smooth and the handling, feel and drive of the XK is just as you'd expect. This is a fantastic car, a restoration to this level today would be close to £200,000 and the restoration was clearly handled with no expense spared. It's almost a shame so few miles have been done since completion, but having had a recent refresh with an XK specialist, we can offer this car onto the market absolutely ready to use and enjoy. 696 KPE is ideal for long distance touring, shows, rallies, events and is a beautiful car to look at and admire. This is something quite special and further to its condition and incredible panel work, it has the provenance of a UK Home market matching numbers car.