Lot 433: 1958 Jaguar XK150SE Drophead Coupe

At the 1948 London Motor Show Jaguar had virtually thrown the sports car world into turmoil with its stunning XK120; the combination of style, speed, an outstanding chassis and remarkably low price was unbeatable, and without doubt the XK120 was an absolute milestone for both Jaguar and the motor industry as a whole. At the heart of the William Lyons-styled roadster was Jaguar's all-new 3,442cc, twin overhead camshaft, straight six engine producing 160bhp via twin SU carburettors - sufficient for 120mph and 0-60mph in 12 seconds. Fine roadholding was ensured by the independent torsion bar/wishbone front suspension and semi-elliptic leaf-sprung rear axle, together with all-round drum brakes. Succeeding the XK120 was the XK140 launched at the 1954 London Show. Visually similar but with a reshaped radiator grille with fewer, larger slats and 2+2 seating, thanks to engine and bulkhead being three inches further forward, a change which also realised almost 50/50 weight distribution, it remained mechanically the same but with suspension improved from lessons learnt on the race track. And now with 190bhp on tap, top speed rose to 110mph - or 129mph with optional overdrive and 210bhp special equipment engine - while the 0-60mph sprint dropped to 11 seconds. The final rendition of the XK appeared in May 1957. Easily identifiable by its higher scuttle and door line, and much wider grille, the XK150 retained the mechanical layout of its predecessor; in 210bhp XK150 S form, however, it marked a Jaguar first in having all-round disc brakes, an asset with 0-60mph acceleration of 8.5 seconds and a 125mph maximum. For 1960, the penultimate year of production, the 3,781cc engine was fitted which in S guise produced 265bhp, sufficient for 132mph and 0-60mph in just 7.5 seconds. This example was originally delivered in 1958 to Mr John Bloom as a present from his business partner Mr Barry Humpman. The pair had made a significant name for themselves by marketing washing machines, so successfully that they ended up with over 10% of the market share from companies such as Hotpoint and Hoover. Mr Bloom was also credited as central to David Bowie receiving his first recording contract; such was the diversity of his business and social interests. It was then sold to Raymond Largn and then, in 1970, to Stanley Mann, one of the Britain's leading vintage Bentley specialists. The vendor bought the car in early 1989 and it was subsequently the subject of a comprehensive 'top to bottom' rebuild, including stripping the body back to bare metal before repainting in its current colour. The engine was removed and overhauled by Jaguar specialist Norman Motors in London which also rebuilt the automatic transmission and torque converter. Robinson and Godwin undertook other remedial work: the brakes were rebuilt, a stainless steel exhaust system was fitted and a new wiring loom installed. I addition the radiator was reconditioned, front shock absorbers replaced and the suspension overhauled. Once all the mechanic components had been inspected and found to be working perfectly, and the body was finished, the two were reunited, the bright-work was re-chromed, the interior re-trimmed in high quality Connolly red leather with black piping and a new, full Mohair hood fitted together with new chrome wire wheels. A photographic history accompanies the car as well as a number of MoT test certificates showing the mileage to be a genuinely low 24,148. Complete with a full one year current MoT test certificate, this magnificent example is part of a collection of equally well presented cars and as a Special Equipment genuine right-hand drive example, deserves space in any discerning Jaguar collection.