1958 JAGUAR XK

Introduced in 1957, the Jaguar XK150 represented the final evolution of the celebrated XK sports car series, succeeding the XK120 and XK140. Featuring revised styling, improved accommodation and four-wheel disc brakes, it combined the performance of Jaguar's renowned XK straight-six engine with greater refinement and comfort. In SE specification, the 3.4-litre engine benefitted from a modified 'B-Type' cylinder head with high-flow ports, larger exhaust valves, twin SU HD6 carburettors and twin tailpipes resulting in an improved output of 210bhp.

This particular XK150 SE Fixed Head Coupé has an interesting history, including an association with Duncan Hamilton, the celebrated British racing driver who, alongside Tony Rolt, won the 1953 Le Mans 24 Hours in a works Jaguar C-Type before finishing second the following year in a works D-Type.

Manufactured on 7th November 1957, dispatched through Henlys Limited of London on 2nd December and first registered in the UK on 1st January 1958, this right-hand drive example retains its original registration, UXK 820. Its accompanying Jaguar Heritage Certificate, issued in October 2010, refers to the car having been sold new by Duncan Hamilton, noting that Jaguar Heritage was unaware of any other XK150 sold new by him or carrying a registration from the UXK series.

The Jaguar Heritage Certificate also confirms that it was originally finished in Pearl Grey with Dark Blue upholstery and supplied with a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive, however, the XK is now superbly presented in Burgundy with contrasting Oatmeal leather upholstery, Burgundy piping and matching carpeting, all complemented by a set of chrome wire wheels wearing Michelin X tyres. The retrimmed cabin features a burr walnut dashboard, a wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel, green baize-lined cubby holes, and a Duncan Hamilton badge retained on the glovebox lid. Sympathetic mechanical upgrades include a Toyota five-speed manual gearbox in place of its original four-speed overdrive unit, power-assisted steering, air-conditioning, electronic ignition and an electric cooling fan, all intended to improve usability in modern driving conditions. The restoration was carried out by G.H. Myatt Ltd. of Wolverhampton and completed on 11th March 2016, with the work documented by approximately 280 photographs taken during the restoration and a further 36 images following completion.

The restoration may have been completed a decade ago, but the car has only covered just over 1,800 miles since, and the sheer quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail evident, make it look like it was only finished a few weeks ago.

The car's more recent history includes four years ownership by Peter Thornley, better known as Kendo Nagasaki, the British professional wrestler. As recounted in his autobiography, Kendo Nagasaki and the Man Behind the Mask, ownership of an XK Jaguar represented the fulfilment of an ambition stretching back more than 60 years. He has only covered only a few hundred miles in the car and, with limited opportunities to use it, the decision was taken to let somebody else enjoy this stunning XK150.

The accompanying history file includes a continuation 'buff' registration book issued when the car was approximately ten years and three months old, the current V5C and Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirming 'matching numbers', historic MOT certificates, tax discs, invoices and the extensive photographic restoration archive. We invite and encourage your viewing of this splendid Jaguar at our forthcoming NEC Sale.