Sold for £85,109
(including buyers premium)
Registration No: YCD 354
Chassis No: T827463DN
MOT: Exempt
The 1950s saw Jaguar win the world's greatest endurance race - the Le Mans 24-hours - more times (five) than any other manufacturer. A blend of existing and new technology, the XK150 was the Coventry firm's last model to feature a separate chassis but its first to be available with four-wheel disc brakes. Unveiled in 1959, the range-topping 3.8 litre 'S' could be had in Roadster, Fixed Head Coupe or Drophead Coupe guises (the latter being the most expensive). With a quoted 265bhp and 260lbft of torque on tap thanks to its straight-port cylinder head and triple SU carburettors, Jaguar's flagship sportscar could only be had with four-speed manual plus overdrive transmission. Reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds and 141mph, its performance was on a par with rival Aston Martin, Maserati and Ferrari offerings. Decidedly rare, total right-hand drive XK150 'S' 3.8 litre Drophead Coupe production amounted to just 69 cars.
According to its accompanying Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, this particular example – chassis number T827463DN – was completed on 29th September 1959 as a ‘home market’ XK150 3.8 Litre S Drophead Coupe. The engine number quoted on the Heritage Certificate and in the original 'Buff' logbook is VS2153-9, while the latter document also gives the capacity as 3.8 litres (3781cc). A ‘VS’ prefix is more normally associated with a 3.4 Litre S unit and curiously the car’s chassis plate is stamped with the engine number VAS1013-9 (‘VAS’ being the typical prefix for a 3.8 Litre S powerplant). The apparent anomaly was rendered academic many years ago when the Drophead Coupe was fitted with a replacement 3.8 Litre engine from a 1964 Jaguar MK X Saloon. Supplied new via Moores of Brighton to F.J. Collis Esq of Gellihaf House, Blackwood, the 2+2-seater was initially finished in Cream and first road registered as ‘YCD 354’ on 31st October 1959. Known to have migrated to Westland, Keighley, London and Hertfordshire thereafter, the Jaguar is understood to have been treated to a bare metal respray during the 1990s and to have participated in various Kop Hillclimb events from the late 2000s into the early 2010s. Entrusted to Jaguar Land Rover Specialist Tom Lenthall Ltd during March 2018, the XK150 S was fitted with electronic ignition, new Coopercraft disc brakes all round and five fresh tyres plus having attention paid to its steering, suspension, clutch and overdrive unit etc at a cost of £14,543.58. Despatched to another marque specialist, Fender Broad, later that same year, the Drophead Coupe benefited from a thorough drivetrain refurbishment, engine bay tidying and rustproof treatment with the associated bills totalling a further £26,070. Finally, 2019 saw ‘YCD 354’ sent to a third marque specialist, Twyford Moors, for some £7882.24 worth of improvements. Starting readily upon inspection and running well, this rare and desirable XK150 S 3.8 Litre Drophead Coupe presents as an older restoration. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, Heritage Certificate, original logbook, old MOTs dating back to 1985 and the aforementioned recent bills.
For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737
Auction: Imperial War Museum, Duxford, 19th Oct, 2022
An auction of classic & collector motorcars
VIEWING TIMES
Tuesday 18th October 2022 from 12pm to 6pm
Wednesday 19th October 2022 from 9am
Additional viewing for lots 200-254 on Thursday 20th October 2022 from 9am
To take part in the auction please click 'Register to Bid | Sign In' at the top of the page
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
Do you have an item to sell?
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035