6 photos

1959' Jaguar 420

£130,000

Published 7 September 2026ID: CYkEN5

H&H
Cheshire
+44Show phone

Information from the owner

Body: Sports Car

Age: 67 years

Fuel: Petrol

Transmission: Manual

Exterior color: Brown

Seller's comments about 1959' Jaguar 420

Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire Viewing: Tues 22nd September 2026 from 12pm Auction: Weds 23rd September 2026 12pm Location: Kelham Hall Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX Registration No: 1246 AZChassis No: T827559DNMOT: Exempt Subject to a £200, 000 restoration between 2017 and 2022 Presents as one of the best XK150s we have ever offered for sale with just one former keeper since 1967 An exceedingly rare, ‘matching numbers’ example One of 69 UK, RHD, 3. 8 XK150 S DHCs Never been used on the road since the completion of the restoration The 1950s saw Jaguar win the world’s greatest endurance race – the Le Mans 24-hours – more times (five) than any other manufacturer. A blend of existing and new technology, the XK150 was the Coventry firm’s last model to feature a separate chassis but its first to be available with four-wheel disc brakes. Unveiled in 1959, the range-topping 3. 8-litre ‘S’ could be had in Roadster, Fixed Head Coupe or Drophead Coupe guises, the latter being the most expensive. With a quoted 265bhp and 260lbft of torque thanks to its straight-port cylinder head and triple SU carburettors, Jaguar’s flagship sports car could only be had with four-speed manual plus overdrive transmission. Reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 7. 6 seconds and 141mph, its performance was on a par with rival Aston Martin, Maserati and Ferrari offerings. Decidedly rare, UK, right-hand-drive XK150 ‘S’ 3. 8-litre Drophead Coupé production amounted to just 69 cars. Offered here is one of those exceptionally scarce cars, 1246 AZ, which benefits from an outstanding ownership history and a comprehensive restoration carried out between 2017 and 2022. Most remarkably, the XK had just one former keeper from 1967, remaining in the same ownership for almost 50 years before being acquired by its current custodian. Having been stored off the road for many years, the decision was taken to undertake a comprehensive restoration rather than a cosmetic refurbishment. More than £200, 000 was invested in the project, with the work entrusted to highly respected specialists. The mechanical restoration was carried out by Guy Broad, while the bodywork was restored by Lee Thompson of ML Bodyworks and was subsequently painted by Peacocks, a preferred supplier to Jaguar Land Rover. The scale and quality of the restoration is comprehensively documented, with the car offered alongside a truly remarkable history file and extensive photographic record charting the work from its earliest stages through to completion. The archive also preserves the car’s earlier history, providing a fascinating record of its long-term ownership and restoration. Numerous original details and factory markings discovered during the dismantling process were retained as valuable references during the rebuild. Completed in 2022, the XK has covered fewer than 10 miles since restoration. It has subsequently been carefully preserved by the current owner in a dehumidified garage on trickle charge, ensuring that the considerable investment made in the restoration has been protected rather than followed by extensive use. The 3. 8-litre ‘S’ specification represents the ultimate development of Jaguar’s XK150. The special straight-port cylinder head and triple SU carburettors provided 265bhp, giving the car genuinely formidable performance for the period, while four-wheel disc brakes and independent front suspension helped bring its handling and stopping power into line with its considerable speed. The Drophead Coupé is arguably the most desirable of the XK150 body styles, combining the elegance of an open sports car with the comfort and practicality of wind-up windows, a folding roof and a more generously appointed cabin. Its long bonnet, sweeping wings and distinctive grille have ensured the XK150 remains one of the most recognisable and admired British sports cars of its era. Today, the XK150 3. 8 S Drophead Coupé occupies a particularly exalted position among post-war Jaguars. In the case of 1246 AZ, its rarity is complemented by an exceptional provenance, significant restoration expenditure and unusually comprehensive documentation. One former keeper since 1967, a £200, 000-plus restoration, work by Guy Broad, Lee Thompson of ML Bodyworks and Peacocks Prestige, fewer than 10 miles since completion and a truly remarkable history file combine to make 1246 AZ an exceptionally compelling example of Jaguar’s ultimate XK150. ** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply** Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2...