Lot 042: 1959 JAGUAR XK150 DROPHEAD COUPE

Last flowering of the separate chassis XK sportscar line, the XK150 was introduced in 1957. A more sophisticated and refined design than its forebears, it benefited from the adoption of four-wheel disc brakes and a more generously proportioned cabin. Available with a variety of 3.4 litre or 3.8 litre DOHC straight-six engines (in differing states of tune), potential customers could also choose between four-speed manual or three-speed automatic gearboxes. An effortless performer (contemporary road tests recorded top speeds of 130mph upwards) the XK150 did much to cement Jaguar's reputation as Britain's foremost sports car manufacturer. More expensive than its Fixed Head Coupe and Roadster siblings, the range-topping Drophead Coupe boasted occasional rear seats and a fully-lined hood. A comparative rarity, approximately 549 home market Drophead Coupes are thought to have been sold between 1957 and 1961 (compared to 2,133 export ones). According to its quoted chassis and engine numbers, '355 HYY' began life as a standard right-hand drive XK150 Drophead Coupe but has since been upgraded with a triple SU carburettor Jaguar 3.8 litre engine. Finished in red with black upholstery, it is variously described by the vendor as being in "scruffy" (interior trim, bodywork, paintwork) or "good" (3.8 litre engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, chassis, wheels / tyres) condition. Said to "drive nicely with good oil pressure" and to retain "the original type Moss gearbox which works well", the Jaguar is summed-up as a "mechanically strong car that would benefit from some restoration to its bodywork and paintwork". Apparently ready to be "enjoyed as is", this inexpensive XK150 soft-top is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until July 2007 and historic class (free) road tax until October 2007. PLEASE NOTE: Although the V5 Registration Document for this vehicle indicates it was manufactured during 1959, we have been contacted by the XK Club who tell us they believe it was manufactured in April/May 1958. PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has twin carburettors and not triple as stated in the catalogue description.