2011-11-06 17:33:55 | pauls writes:

Some history provided in the Nov. 2011 edition of the XK Gazette. Registration is current.

2022-04-27 02:48:09 | james writes:

This car is in Brightwells sale in May 2022

2024-07-20 23:33:31 | Reno writes:

car is on Auction at Brightwells again:

www.brightwells.com/timed-sale/5531/lot/719058

Description:

First registered in Portsmouth in January 1960, this gorgeous XK150 SE 3.8 DHC looks stunning in Cotswold Blue with a navy blue interior. From 1991 – 2002 it was owned by a Mr M Campbell of Alton who sent it to Brian Stevens Classic Car Restorations of Rotherwick for a total body-off restoration which was carried out between 1992 and 1994. The bills for the work amount to over £56,000 and the labour rate was only £20 per hour so one dreads to think how much that would cost today.

No corners were cut and £17,000 was spent on new body panels alone. The interior was fully retrimmed to an exceptionally high standard, the brightwork was rechromed (cadmium plated followed by gold passifated) and the brakes/steering/suspension/axle/propshaft/electrics were all renewed or refurbished as required. Interestingly, there are no bills relating to the engine or gearbox although it seems that larger carburettors were fitted.

Nevertheless, the gearbox is delightful and the engine certainly sounds lovely with good 60psi oil pressure, a stamp on the block indicating that it has been bored out to 3,847cc at some point rather than the 3,781cc as standard. The original engine (VA1316-8) also seems to have been replaced by a later Jaguar Mk2 3.8 unit (LB2185-9) although it may only be the head that was changed (the V5C still records the original engine number).

The odometer was re-set to zero once the restoration was completed and it seems that Mr Campbell (who also owned several other classics) barely drove the car, old MOTs showing that it only covered 748 miles between 1994 and 2002.

Our vendor acquired the car from renowned dealer Duncan Hamilton of Basingstoke in November 2002 and used it more regularly, the odometer currently showing 12,108 miles which included a tour round France. He also carried out some choice upgrades including a hydraulic power steering rack conversion in 2009 using a kit supplied by M&C Wilkinson. He also fitted Coopercraft brakes, a high torque starter motor, halogen headlamps and a new set of stainless steel wire wheels shod with Avon TurboSteel tyres. The overdrive mechanism was also rebuilt in 2005.

On offer here from a deceased estate, the car has recently been recommissioned by Ty-Canol Restorations of Fishguard following a period in storage. This included rebuilding the carbs to make them suitable for etahnol petrol along with various other jobs plus an extended test drive, the bills for this lot coming to over £3,000. It has been starting promptly and running beautifully as we have moved it around on site, with good 60psi oil pressure.

Having covered only 12,000 miles since it was restored 30 years ago, this gorgeous XK is now crying out for more regular use and would sit well in any collection.