Lot 075: 1958 JAGUAR XK150 SE FIXED HEAD 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. An effortlessly strong performer, the Jaguar could be had with a choice of 3.4 litre or 3.8 litre DOHC straight-six engines (in various states of tune) allied to either four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Credited with 210bhp, Special Equipment (SE) 3.4 litre models boasted a B-type cylinder head, wire wheels, front foglights and a twin exhaust system as standard. Only in production for four years, the total number of 'home market' fixed-head coupes has been estimated at just 1,205. Finished in Old English White with red leather upholstery, this particular 'home market' RHD example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (paintwork, wheels / tyres) or "A1" (3442cc engine, three-speed automatic transmission, interior trim, electrical equipment, chassis, bodywork) condition. Believed but not warranted to have covered a mere 53,200 miles from new, '150 XKP' is further understood to have had but "two owners", one of whom registered it twice. Sporting a stainless steel exhaust, boot-mounted luggage rack and sunroof by Wilsons of Epsom, this well presented XK150 is said to have won awards at assorted Biggin Hill Air Shows, Brighton & Hove Club meetings (Mermaid Trophy twice) and the Bromley Pageant of Motoring as well as being "featured in the local and national press". A rare car - especially in automatic guise - '150 XKP' is offered for sale with history file (including "lots of old MOTs etc") and MOT certificate valid until September 2006.