Jaguar XK150SE 3.4 Drophead Coupe

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Outstanding motorcars by any standards, the three XK models from the William Lyons stable remained in production for 13 years and simply got better as time went on.

Last of the line was the sensational XK150 of 1957, safer, faster and roomier than the XK140 it replaced. Available in roadster, drophead and fixed-head coupe form, it was initially powered by a 190bhp 3.4-litre six, but a 210bhp SE model was soon available as was a 250bhp triple-carb 3.4S followed by a 265bhp 3.8S that could crack 60 in 7.2 seconds with a top speed of 135mph. The real talking point was the adoption of the disc brake technology that Jaguar had honed at Le Mans, giving the new car the stopping power to match its prodigious straight-line speed. The XK150 remained in production until late 1960 by which time some 9,400 had been sold of which 2,682 were in DHC form.

As the Heritage Certificate confirms, PWM 150 was manufactured in February 1959 and is a Special Equipment model (as denoted by the S prefix chassis number) which came with overdrive, wire wheels, front fog lights, twin exhausts and B type cylinder head as standard. One of only 549 DHC models made for the UK market, it has had seven owners to date, our vendor acquiring it in 1998 shortly after it had received a bodywork restoration and repaint at a cost of some £16,000.

A keen driver, our vendor bought the car to use for long distance continental touring and has maintained and improved it regardless of cost during his 21-year ownership, most of the work being done by marque specialist, Guy Broad of Coventry. Upgrades include a Getrag 5-speed gearbox for more relaxed high speed cruising; rebuilt engine with triple-carb straight port head; increased capacity aluminium radiator with electric cooling fan; XJ6 front disc brakes; uprated suspension with adjustable shock absorbers and polybushes; Facet fuel pump; electronic ignition; new wiring loom; full stainless steel exhaust system including manifolds; full interior retrim with more supportive bucket seats; snug mohair hood with West of England cloth headlining.

Numerous invoices and photos on file attest to meticulous upkeep over the years, including an engine rebuild and a recent major service by Guy Broad in February 2018 which cost £7,618. Old MOTs show that the car has been used extensively in the last 20 years, the vendor stating that it has always proved very reliable during his long ownership and has successfully completed several European tours. Sailing through its MOT in June this year with no advisories recorded, it also comes with an original owner’s handbook and lubrication chart.

Demonstrating what a much-loved machine it is, PWM 150 has twice been the subject of oil paintings by renowned automotive artist Alan Fearnley and is featured in a book of his work. Although these artworks are to be retained by the vendor and are not included in the sale, the original (and transferable) registration number is included which just adds icing to an already richly decorated cake.