LOT 315
1959 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupé Registration no. XAB 264 Chassis no. 827329
Sold for £79,900 inc. premium
Lot 315
1959 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupé
The December Sale Collector's Motor Cars, Motorcycles and Automobilia|7 December 2016, 16:00 GMT|London, Olympia
1959 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupé
Registration no. XAB 264
Chassis no. 827329
Registration no. XAB 264
Chassis no. 827329
*One of 662 right-hand drive drophead coupés made
*Known ownership history from new
*Restored and well maintained
*Exceptional history file
*Known ownership history from new
*Restored and well maintained
*Exceptional history file
Footnotes
This Jaguar XK150 drophead coupé was originally supplied by Horton's Garage, Redditch to the owners of Astwood Bank Farm, Redditch, and remained in the same family ownership until bought by one David De Saxe in December 1986. Correspondence shows that Mrs Shirley-Priest had put the car away when her only son died, and when aged 87 decided to sell it 'to remove the sad reminder of better days'. On 22nd December 1998, Mr de Saxe sold 'XAB 264' to one A P Spender of Lockeridge, Wiltshire, who in turn sold it to Twyford Moors, the well-known Jaguar dealership. The current vendor purchased the car in August 2000.
A great deal of money had been spent by David De Saxe on works including replacement of the hood shortly after he bought the car, while invoices show that in 1993 some £22,000 was spent on a major 'body off' restoration by Rees Bros of Aldershot, carried out at approximately 60,500 miles. There is also a photographic record of the restoration on file. During the body rebuild the underside was completely under-sealed, while winter servicing included Waxoyling and steam-cleaning. Noteworthy features include later-type rear lights (fitted for safety reasons); a restored period radio, converted to FM reception; and a tailored hood bag.
In 1996 the engine was overhauled by well-known Jaguar specialist R G Bates of Birkenhead at a cost of £3,845, which included conversion for the use of unleaded petrol. This was carried out at approximately 63,000 miles.
There is a substantial quantity of paperwork on file dating back to the beginning of David de Saxe's Period of ownership. Nearly all invoices have been retained, and the fastidious service records make interesting reading. Also included is an owner's manual and workshop manual together with a set of tools and the original jack.
In the 16 years that the vendor has owned the Jaguar it has been fully maintained by his brother at his motor engineering business in Barnes, West London; they come from an automotive family of several generations, the vendor's brother being a long-term owner of several classic Jaguars also. All expired tax discs and MoT certificates have been retained, supporting the current recorded mileage of 85,101.
The car has been well maintained and serviced while in the present ownership, with all necessary works carried out, as evidenced by numerous invoices in the substantial history file. In May 2016, new chromed wire wheels and Avon Turbo Steel tyres from MWS were fitted, while in August of this year a new mohair hood and lining were installed, and the interior leather replaced/refurbished at the Trimming Centre in Lewes, East Sussex.
The car has always been kept in a modern, dry garage in ideal conditions; according to the vendor, it runs extremely well and is a joy to drive. Considering the car's age, its performance is remarkable and motorway speeds are maintained with ease. Directional stability is said to be excellent, oil pressure good, and the cooling system has always, in the owner's experience, been entirely effective. Virtually no oil is consumed, though there is a small oil leak from the rear of the engine - an original design fault. The brakes are very efficient, having been up-rated at some time in the past, while the twin stainless steel exhausts emit a healthy throb. It should be noted that the original engine was a 3.4-litre unit, but this was replaced early on by Jaguar Cars and the change is recorded in the original old-style logbook.
In short: this is a highly original Jaguar XK150 supported by an extensive collection of invoices, letters and other documentation, constituting an exceptionally detailed provenance.
Saleroom notices
Please be advised that the chassis number is incorrect and should read: S827329.
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- 6 December 2016, 16:00 - 19:30 GMT