To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
$200,000 - $250,000
- The first 3.8-Litre XK150S produced and one of just 111 FHC's
built.
- Retains its original engine, verified by the accompanying
Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate.
- Known ownership history from new.
- Photo-documented restoration from 1987-2002.
In late-1959, Jaguar introduced a larger 220 bhp 3.8-liter engine
with twin SU carburetors for its venerable XK150 sports car; an
upgrade to the standard model's 210 hp 3.4-liter six. A 265 bhp
triple-carb "S" version became optional as Jaguar's most powerful
production engine. A total of 7,929 XK150's were built from 1957
through the end of production in calendar year 1960, making it
Jaguar's most popular model in the XK-trilogy. Just 275 3.8-Litre
"S" models were built between 1959 and 1960 including 111
fixed-head coupes with right-hand drive.
Known by its original Coventry registration number of YHP 791, this
right-hand drive XK150 was the first of the 3.8-Litre "S" models,
built on September 18, 1959. It's engine, VAS 1001-9, was the first
of the new series. It is mated to a four-speed manual transmission
with Laycock de Normanville overdrive and a 4.09:1 Thornton
Power-Lok rear axle. On October 12, 1959, Jaguar registered the car
as a company vehicle. At the same time, Jaguar registered the first
3.8-Litre MKII Sedan which was assigned YHP 790. Both cars were
painted British Racing Green and fitted with suede green leather
interiors. The coupe remained in Jaguar's possession until February
1961.
This car is well-documented during its early history appearing in
several publications including a timed speed run of 136.3 mph by
John Bolster of Autosport, June 17, 1960. It is still fitted with
its original engine block, as verified by the Jaguar Daimler
Heritage Trust Certificate, yet it is not known if the cylinder
head is original. Also included in the history file are previous
MoTs, correspondence, service records, press reports, books,
manuals and brochures.
The XK150S was restored in England during 1987-2002. Photo
documentation is available. While under restoration, it was
purchased in 1999 by Jacques Nasser, former President and CEO of
Ford Motor Company. It was displayed at the JDHT Museum in Coventry
prior to coming to the United States in 2003. During the
restoration, the car was upgraded with a port and polished head to
enable better performance on unleaded fuel; power rack and pinion
steering; an alternator with negative ground; cooling system with
electric fan and high-flow radiator; discreetly fitted contemporary
air-conditioning; a modern radio discretely installed in the boot;
and five chrome wire wheels with Pirelli 4000 205x70R15 tires (the
original wire wheels with Avon tires will remain with the car).To
view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo20.