Among British automotive legends, the Jaguar XK150 certainly ranks highly for its looks, impressive engine and sporting credentials. But above all, it is simply a wondrous GT-style sports car perfect for cruising around Europe under the summer sun.
This 1960 example has spent much of its life doing just that – with an added bonus. Originally a coupe, it was converted to cabriolet form early on in its life, allowing it to properly ‘bed in’ with the rest of the car. As a result, it now offers authentic, retro top-down motoring with the tuneful straight six up front blasting its tune for all to hear.
Following a full engine rebuild in 1972, this car has been thoroughly well cared for by all five of its previous owners. Many replaced parts and embellishments over the years count towards a great deal of love and care this car has received. As a result, it reportedly runs and starts perfectly and drives without issue.
HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Originally built as a coupe – one of only 108 LHD Model S examples
First registered in 1960 – the vendor can’t verify the first owner’s location. Sold to its second owner, based in France, in 1963
Suspected to have been converted during this period
Purchased by the third owner in 1968 – long ownership
Fully restored in 1972 including an engine rebuild
Purchased by a collector and classic car club president in 2014
With its current owner since 2017
5 owners from new overall
34,000km on the clock
Well cared for since restoration
Full inspection carried out by an expert in recent years
Contrôle technique (government roadworthiness test) from January 2023 – valid in France for five years due to classic car status. This Contrôle technique will be passed again for sale in line with French law
THE INTERIOR
Red leather upholstery looks fantastic.
All the lights and buttons work as they should
Chrome trim throughout looks great
In a stark contrast to the exterior paint, the interior is a grand sea of red. In fact, red leather upholstery covers the seats, dashboard, centre console and door cards. Just the black carpets provide a break from the popping colour that gives great life and energy to this sports car cabin. Thanks to the drop top roof, the cabin can be full of light under the French summer sun. But a fully working convertible mechanism means solace from sunburns and rainfall. There are some light signs of corrosion to the soft-top’s clips, but the rest is in fine fettle with the beautiful contoured windscreen in great order.
Whilst the red leather is in excellent condition for the most part, there is some wear to the top of the seats. This, according to the owner, is due to the soft-top hoops rubbing on the leather during handling. This is only a small patch, and the rest of the cabin presents in a near-immaculate condition. The same is true for the instruments, buttons and lights present within the cockpit. All the buttons function as they should and only present minimal signs of wear. The owner does note that the tachometer gets stuck at the 2,000rpm mark. Elsewhere, the large diameter black steering wheel is the perfect centrepiece to the car’s interior.
THE EXTERIOR
Resprayed in 1988, still looks great
Nice off-white paintwork with contrast black soft-top
Work done to the car throughout its life
Originally a coupe, this 1960 Jaguar XK150 became a cabriolet early on in its life according to the owner. In fact, it is suspected that this work might have been done as early as 1963. However, this modification is seemingly difficult to spot as the car looks just like an original drop-top variant. The black fabric roof contrasts nicely with the off-white paint that was resprayed in 1988. The paint work still looks to be in fantastic condition today.
The car sits on a sublime set of wire wheels with the original Jaguar spinners. These are fitted with a period correct set of Michelin tyres. As is the case with the wheels, all chrome fixtures throughout the car including bumpers, badges and frames all shine beautifully. There is however some slight paint cracking on the Jaguar badges front and rear.
Elsewhere, the windscreen wipers have caused a small scratch on the passenger side. Underneath, there appears to be very little signs of corrosion with the car having been well cared for. Some grease has built up in place around the chassis but the owner reports that no oil is dripping from the car.
This car’s fantastic overall condition is certainly thanks to the love and care each owner has put into it. A long list of replaced parts and refreshments from 1985 to 2022 features in the pile of invoices including the full respray, bumpers in 2005 and a new soft top and cover in 2013.
THE MECHANICS
3.4-litre inline-six ‘ModelS’ engine with 3 in-line carbs, 250hp
Runs and drives well
Electric fan fitted to a thermostat
Much like the visual condition of the car, this 1960 Jaguar XK150’s 3.4-litre straight six has been very well cared for throughout its life, especially since its first major work in 1972. It is then that the engine was fully rebuilt with every part either restored or replaced.
Since then, frequent servicing by its mechanically minded owners and more intensive maintenance jobs have preserved it in fantastic condition. The brake system has been overhauled several times as has the fuel system. A new exhaust was fitted in 2005 and the car features new spark plugs and coil dating back to 2018.
Making the car more useable on hot summer days on the French Riviera, the car has been fitted with an electric fan activated by a thermostat. According to the owner, the car starts very easily and runs and drives like a dream. It is taken out of its dry garage on a regular basis and gets proper use.
This 1960 Jaguar XK150 has spent much – if not all – of its life cruising around the South of France and thanks to regular maintenance work and use and lots of care, it looks in great condition. Beyond being in fabulous order, that ‘S’ engine is a truly rare, engaging sight – and promises to give plenty of spirited performance out on the road.