Jaguar XK150 FHC

ASKING £76,995 PRICE

ENGINE 3442cc/6-cyl/DOHC POWER 190bhp@5500rpm TORQUE 260lb ft@4000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 130mph 0-60MPH 7.6sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 16-25mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed man + o/d MoT December 2021 ODOMETER 72 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

From the off, this feels like a very eager car – anecdotal evidence says that XK engine specialist, VSE, re-built the engine – as soon as you press the accelerator. The upgraded Tremec five-speed gearbox can be notchy, but power takeup is very smooth through an easy clutch. Other upgrades include a re-built rear axle and Coopercraft all-disc brakes (drilled at the rear). The power steering is nicely weighted and there are no moans or rattles to detract from the true mechanical chatter and gruff growl of the straight-six.

BODYWORK CHECK

The paint finish stands up to close inspection. The gloss is even and deep and there are no untidy edges where bright and painted metals meet or where the piping runs between panels. All the lines run true – and largely symmetrical side-to-side – and panel gaps are narrow. Even the doors fit snugly. The chrome – including the many spokes of the wire wheels, which came from an Aston Martin – is in good shape, though the three-eared spinners aren’t very ‘Jaguar’.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The refurbished interior is largely standard apart from the DAB radio, rear speakers, (nonworking) clock – which sits where a cubby hole used to be – and four-spoke Moto-Lita steering wheel. The headlining, carpets, wood and leather are all fresh, well finished and tastefully executed, but the red felt sealing around the driver’s door is loose.

UNDER THE BONNET

As well as the cosmetic renovation, this XK also underwent a comprehensive mechanical overhaul with a series of upgrades, as you’ll see when you open the bonnet or read the extensive history file. The radiator is new – and boasts an attendant electric Kenlowe fan directly in front of it. A 123 electronic ignition/distributor has taken over starting/timing duties from the original points and condenser and turning over the engine has been given a useful extra shove by the addition of a high-torque starter motor, which is most effective in use.

THE CCW VIEW

This is a rakish car in a rakish colour that looks amazing in its Signal Red with contrasting cream leather. That shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise once you discover that it hasn’t really been out on the road since its last owner had it restored, largely by Sport and Classics Ltd in Staffordshire, though much of the mechanical sorting out has been done by vendor IK Classics. Its asking price seems reasonable – especially when you take that fresh restoration into account. Though purists may frown at a few of this car’s upgraded details, there’s no arguing with the fact that they make this a car that you can simply jump into for some seriously swift touring.