1958 Jaguar XK150 Fixed Head Coupe Registration Number: OSU...

Hammer

£32,000

1958 Jaguar XK150 Fixed Head Coupe

Registration Number: OSU 398
Chassis Number: S835335
Recorded Mileage: c.27,000 miles

- Uprated engine, transmission, braking and suspension
- Subject of a previous bare-metal restoration
- Prepared and used extensively for Classic and European rallies
- Original 3.4 engine and gearbox included in the sale
 
“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 any more outstanding examples of value for money.” - The Autocar

What would turn out to be the final glorious incarnation of Jaguar’s fabulous ‘XK’ series of sports cars arrived in 1957. As its nomenclature suggests, the XK150 was a progressive development of the XK120 and XK140, retaining the same basic chassis, 3.4-liter engine and 4-speed Moss transmission of its predecessors while benefiting from a new, wider body that provided increased interior space and improved visibility courtesy of a single-piece wrap-around windscreen, replacing the XK140’s divided screen. Cleverly, the new body used many XK120/140 pressings, the increased width being achieved by means of a 4”-wide central fillet. A higher front wing line and broader radiator grille were other obvious differences, but the new model’s main talking point was its Dunlop disc brakes. Fade following repeated stops from high speed had been a problem of the earlier, drum-braked cars, but now the XK had stopping power to match its prodigious straight-line speed.

Introduced in the spring of 1957, the XK150 was available at first only in fixed and drophead coupe forms, the open Roadster version not appearing until the following year. At 210bhp, the standard 3.4-liter engine’s maximum power output was identical to that of the XK140, so performance was little changed. Overdrive and a Borg-Warner automatic gearbox were the transmission options, the latter becoming an increasingly popular choice, while a Thornton Power-Lok limited-slip differential was available for the XK150S.

Originally exported in LHD specification to the United States, this 1958 Fixed Head XK150 returned to the UK some 31 years later in 1989. The car was subsequently restored and converted to RHD specification by specialist J.E. Brittain, finished in Carmen Red with a black interior. In subsequent ownership from 2004 to 2021, the Jaguar was entrusted to respected specialist VSE Engineering with the brief to prepare the car for touring and regularity rallies. A 'Clubsport 3.8' engine with 2" SU carburettors was installed, as were an alternator kit, competition-geared starter, 9.5’’ clutch, all-synchro overdrive gearbox, sports exhaust system, adjustable shock absorbers, poly-bushed suspension, uprated rear brake callipers and servo, and a set of 16'' chrome wire wheels. The car later benefitted from uprated rear springs and replacement hub oil seals.

In 2007 the XK150’s bodywork was stripped to bare-metal and restored, with the wings and doors removed. A file of photographs documents in the comprehensive history file depicts this work (around the same time much of the chrome was also refinished). In 2019 the seats were retrimmed in leather, with matching replacement carpets. In current ownership since 2021, the Jaguar received a new MoT certificate in June 2025 (with no advisories). 

Clearly well maintained over a number of years, we are sure this well sorted and uprated classic Jaguar will make a fine companion for longer tours and events.