1959 Jaguar XK150

“The car was imported from America and my dad bought it as an abandoned project,” explains Melanie Sparks. “He had a complete nut and bolt restoration, with the body removed from the chassis, carried out by Bristol Classic & Sportscars Ltd, and then went on to enjoy it, driving it purely for pleasure, for the next 13 years.”

Alas, unfortunately, Melanie’s father passed away recently and that means that the XK150 is now ready for a new home. “It is no longer being used, so sadly it’s time to say goodbye.”

During the restoration the XK had a few choice upgrades fitted to improve the overall driving experience; these include fitment of a 5-speed gearbox and a power steering conversion. It also has a trickle charge battery point with the access point behind the near-side front wheel, with a trickle charger provided.

“Dad would never take it out in the wet and always cleaned it after use, with the wheels removed to do so. It remains in very good condition and is immaculate inside and out; the underside and engine bays also both remain spotless. Whist being used for holidays the Jaguar also won some prizes at car shows.

It drives very nicely and cruises at 70mph no problem at all. It also comes with custom made suitcases (fitted to the shape of the boot), a complete coolant hose kit (new), a car cover, hood cover and a tonneau. The front suspension has also recently had all bushes replaced.”

All documents and photos relating to the car’s restoration can also be viewed in the Photo Gallery, below.

Oh my, it’s a looker. There’s just a certain something about the stance of an XK150; it’s just elegant, but with a beastly undertone that hints at epic performance capabilities.

Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Sunday afternoon, azure blue skies and parked up outside a beautiful English pub. I could furnish that picture with even more imagery and superlatives, but there’s no need…

As an older restoration the panel gaps remain excellent; those long flanks remain lovely and dint- and ripple-free, while the paintwork (originally Sherwood Green, the XK was resprayed in the owner’s preferred Blue) remains very good and provides an enchanting exterior aesthetic. It is worth noting that there are one or two tiny areas that are bit ‘dry’ looking, so these would benefit from a polish up and detail.

Chrome work remains very good and that includes the evocative 54-spoke wire wheels. The chrome trim on the doorhandle is slightly fouling the near-side rear wing and there is a little bit of chipping as a result.

The blue mohair hood remains in excellent condition and wonderfully nice and smart. Raised and in place it’s well fitted with a clear rear Perspex screen; this car will of course spend most of its time with the hood firmly down, and there’s a very nice matching convertible duck hooding that clips in place.

Tyres are fresh 185/80HR 16 Vredesteins Sprint Classics all round, each with plenty of tread remaining.

Beautiful.

There’s no doubt that the cabin is stunningly finished. Lashings of grey leather combine with first class carpets, door cards and other exquisitely finished details to produce an interior environment that the next owner should find to their liking. And that is before they drop the top and unleash the aural magnificence of that legendary XK unit…

Can we nit-pick? Well, there’s some very minor corrosion to the bottom edge of the seat frames and some small dirt marks to the headlining from the folding of the frame around the rear window, and the driver’s window winder is a touch stiff – and eh, that’s your lot. For us, all are small potatoes in the lovely wider scheme of things.

An electrical cut-off switch is fitted under the dashboard on the driver’s side, and there is a lovely set of custom suitcases that have been designed to fit the boot.

As an interior accompaniment to the exterior, it’s pretty much ideal.

Melanie's partner drove the XK150 from her parents’ home to our Abingdon headquarters and he said it performed flawlessly. We’ve since had it out and can confirm that it starts first time and drives beautifully; the big XK unit is a bellicose deliverer of its wares when you’re heavy with your right foot yet remains relatively docile in town. The five-speed gearbox conversion lengthens the car’s touring legs considerably, while the power steering makes it a cinch to manoeuvre at low speeds. The braking system performs very smartly, and recent replacement of the front suspension bushes means that it feels nice and taut over any road imperfections.

Pop that long bonnet and you’ll find a wonderfully detailed engine bay, while getting down on your knees reveals a magnificently clean (and confidence inspiring) underside – it looks as pretty much as good as it must of when the boys (and girls) from Bristol completed its restoration.

The XK’s history file includes the motherlode: a full photographic history of the car’s restoration. Take your time, pour yourself a cheeky one, and take your time to flick through them – it’s worth it.

Once you’ve done that then switch to the Bristol Classic & Sportscars Ltd invoices, which at a quick estimate total somewhere north of a very significant £40k spent!

The V5c document is also present, as is the current MOT test certificate that runs until August 15, 2023. A Jaguar Daimler Heritage Certificate also lists all the important dates, numbers, and original colours/specifications.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of this and other paperwork to support our claim that this car has been restored and maintained to the very highest of standards.

There is nothing quite like a big cat. Add to that, one from the glory, glory days of the 1950s and you’re in Jaguar heaven. You can practically feel Le Mans calling you in this car’s presence.

The exact reason behind why this example has come on the market is a sad one, but the best we can do for this XK150 is find it a fitting home for upcoming decades and one where it will be enjoyed to the full.

As a beautiful example of an older restoration, and one that has only ever been used in dry conditions, it remains in tip-top aesthetic and driving conditions. As such, we think it will realise somewhere between £70,000 and £80,000.

The next owner will receive a car that has been lovingly restored (upwards of £40k spent!), lovingly maintained, and regularly used for pleasure. Rest assured that it’s also ready to give that lucky person plenty of the latter, too.

Big cat for the win.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.