Description
Offered for sale is an incredibly preserved, almost completely original, mechanically strong 1958 Jaguar XK150 Fixed Head Coupe. The true definition of a “barn find”, this rust-free, matching numbers example was recently made available out of its 40+ year owner’s estate. The previous (and second) owner, an engineer from Ohio, purchased it from his boss in the late 1960s, marking the start of a modest car collection he would spend the next three decades building and enjoying. All of the engineer’s cars were regularly exercised, but while some cars came and went, this XK150 was always his favorite, “the keystone of his stable”, as his executor put it. That said, over the years he only racked up what we believe to be 48k original miles. Our mechanic, a specialist in vintage British cars and a Pebble Beach Concours judge, was inclined to agree.
In 2004, with his health failing and no interested heirs, the engineer put what remained of his collection into dry storage where the car remained until we acquired it. Not having run for the better part of a decade, we had our mechanic go to work fixing everything that needed sorting. The list of work performed is fairly standard for a car that’s been sitting: brakes and all associated components, carb rebuilds, the replacement of faulty electrical components, etc. Upon completion he was happy to report that it is stellar mechanically. It starts easily, idles consistently, pulls strongly and smoothly through each of the gears and doesn’t overheat. The compression and oil pressure are fantastic and the car is ready for any sort of motoring.
Cosmetically the car is in incredible original condition. The dark green paint is partially original and shows typical cracking, chips, fading, etc., however the body is fantastic with incredible panel fit, consistent gaps and no indication of any accidents. The only dings are soft ones in the roof, regrettably inflicted by a less-than-careful vehicle transporter while delivering the car to us. All of the chrome and glass are in exceptional original condition and the car rides on its original wire knock off wheels, wrapped in tires with plenty of remaining tread. The car’s interior is a virtual time capsule. All of the leather, interior panels, dash and headliner are in original condition, showing only cracking and 50+ years of patina. The steering wheel was replaced with a Moto-Lita wheel some years ago and the car has a period radio that still works.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect is what is revealed when the car is on a lift. With a little cleaning and some elbow grease, a near flawless undercarriage best tells the car’s story. A life of doting care and proper storage from its original owner, the undercarriage show absolutely no rust or evidence of rust repair, no evidence of accidents and is completely straight and as stock as when it left the factory.
This is an incredibly original example that can certainly be enjoyed as is, however it is arguably the best platform for an easy restoration that we’ve ever seen. When we purchased it, it was our intention to set out on that restoration, however with three cars that need to be ready for Pebble Beach in August and a half dozen other ongoing restorations, we feel as though it should be undertaken by someone that can truly give it the time and care it deserves. Solid XK150s in this condition are becoming harder and harder to come by and this car surely won’t create any disappointment for its new owner.
