1959 | Jaguar XK 150 DHC

This outstanding, modified and upgraded Jaguar XK150 DHC is a UK home market example that comes with an exceptional history. The XK has been modified for long distance touring and enhanced performance with a Jaguar 4.2 litre engine, five speed gearbox, 15” chrome wires and more comfortable, sports seats. The original 3.4 engine that was subject of a Trafford Competition Engines rebuild in 2003 is also with the car. Whilst this XK150 was rebuilt in 2013, it comes with an incredible comprehensive history that confirms the car was owned by former JCD Champion driver John Harper in 1975 who supervised a completion renovation during the mid 1970’s. From 1977 to 1999 the XK was owned by a Gervase Hulbert, based just off Wandsworth Common in South West London. Extensive invoices and MOT’s are on file throughout the 22 years of ownership.

During the early 2000's the XK continued to be driven and enjoyed but with more focus on long distance touring. Various upgrades were carried out to include a rebuilt 5 speed Jaguar gearbox, alternator, electronic ignition, aluminium header tank, a new rear axle with 1.54 limited slip differential, Halogen headlamps, uprated anti-roll bar and poly bushes, upgraded fan, and all new front and rear brakes with six pot calipers from Coopercraft. The interior was also upgraded with more comfortable seating. The XK was used for touring and often featured in the XK Gazette, the car covered 20,000 miles between 2005 and 2012 and was registered with a FIVA Identity card and had proven to be a reliable long distance touring car. The XK was driven on various tours in Europe and various invoices on file detail regular maintenance.

In 2012 the Jaguar XK was sold by Twyford Moors to the most recent owner and whilst clearly in strong condition having regularly toured in the UK and overseas, he decided to commission a no expense spared restoration with a Sussex based Austin Healey and Jaguar restoration company. The XK was stripped down and treated to a major body restoration, and further to that mechanically overhauled and upgraded with a rebuilt Jaguar 4.2 litre engine. The car was treated to all new brake discs, ball joints, wheel bearings, half shaft bearings and seals, rear axle seals and EZ power steering. Over 2013 and 2014 between £90,000 and £100,000 was spent on the car at a time a top quality XK150 DHC was around £50,000. This took the overall investment in the car to almost £150,000 in 2014 and since this top quality maintenance has continued with Vredestein tyres, new upper and lower ball joints and new damper bushes to the front and rear.

Over the past twelve years the XK has covered around 10,000 miles and has toured to Croatia and Italy twice, France three times and has been thoroughly enjoyed. The XK is a fantastic driving, strong and reliable example and now has around 20 years of regular European touring experience. There's no doubt with its five speed gearbox, upgraded engine, power steering and more comfortable seating this is a car ideal for relaxed long distance driving. Having covered just 10,000 miles since rebuild, the XK drives incredibly well with a fantastic engine and super smooth gearbox, and presentation ten years on since rebuild is still very impressive. The bodywork, paintwork, interior trim, soft top are excellent, the chrome work isn't perfect but the long term owner has the view this is a car for driving and long distance touring in, and therefore it has not been a concern. Should the next owner wish to improve brightwork, we are very happy to discuss options but importantly the car presents incredibly well as it is. The chassis is very impressive and the car has the provenance of being a UK home market car, still with its original engine but all the expensive upgrades that ensure this is a car ideal for long distance touring and regular use.