1960 Jaguar XK150 S 3.8 DHC

A Heritage Certificate in the large history file shows that this Jaguar XK150 S was manufactured on the 9th of August 1960 and has the following matching numbers, chassis: T825318DN; engine: VAS 1235-9; body: J11180; and gearbox: JLS 46395 JS.

Vendor Alan takes up the story, ‘It was originally Carmen Red in colour with red leather and when it left Browns Lane, Coventry, it was a Fixed-Head Coupe. I believe the conversion to drop-head coupe form took place back in the late Seventies/Early Eighties when drop-head coupe prices were three times those of a fixed-head coupe.’

This would have taken place with relatively little fuss, as the fixed-head coupes were originally built with all of the components and substructure necessary to complete the conversion. ‘This vehicle has been in its present format far longer than in its original one, so it seems uneconomical to convert it back to factory specification.’

Supplied new by Clarendon Motors of Bishops Auckland to its first owner, a Mr J.H. Robinson of Yarn, Yorkshire, it was supplied with a number of tasty factory options that included a Thornton limited-slip differential, manual overdrive gearbox and 16” Chromium 54-spoke wire wheels.

The DHC was in the custodianship of the previous owner for 25 years, ‘he lovingly cared for it,’ says Alan. ‘There’s a very detailed history file with 28 previous MOT certificates dating back to August 1987, when the mileage was 78,126.’

There’s also a large selection of invoices from a variety of Jaguar specialists during that time, including: a cosmetic restoration in April 2015 costing £8,900; one from CMC in Bridgenorth back in 2003 for £7,600; and others for various works totaling a further £18,542.

In more recent times, the car has had a colossal £51,328.01 lavished upon it, and the list of works completed is truly formidable. This includes: all chrome stripped and re-chromed; fuel tank restored; new Koni rear shock absorbers; underside stripped and painted satin black; new fuel pumps; new copper brake lines; engine bay restored to concours standard (details of this will be further listed in the ‘Underneath’ section, below); new radiator and coolant hoses; carburetors rebuilt; new exhaust manifolds; new J-Type headlights and chrome headlamp bezels; and fitment of a twin stainless steel exhaust system.

The 3.8S had a relatively fresh MOT test, which, unsurprisingly, it passed with no advisories – the certificate is good until June 1, 2021. The included V5 document also shows a total of five owners from new.

Oh my, it’s a looker. 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…

Even panel gaps, lovely long dint- and ripple-free flanks and utterly lovely paintwork provide an enchanting exterior aesthetic; that is course aided and abetted by the superlative restored chrome work that includes the evocative 54-spoke wire wheels. The doors open and close easily with no drop. It’s not absolutely perfect, but we’d happily give it a very strong 9 out of 10.

The hood isn’t new but remains very nice and smart. Raised and in place it’s well fitted with a clear rear Perspex screen. If there’s a minor criticism it’s that there is a tiny mark on its front nearside corner – just above the first stud – and there are a few frays at its very lower edge. It must be stated though, that the above is said with our Concours hats on!

This car will of course spend the majority of its time with the hood firmly down, and there’s a very nice convertible black double duck hooding that clips in place (it also comes with its own carry bag). Tyres are fresh 185/80HR 16 Vredesteins.  

Inside, the Red leather (including dash-top) remains in top order and the seat structures still remain in prime condition; carpets too, are also in very good nick. It’s quite a simple cabin with the instrument panel sitting in the centre of the dashboard. The original radio remains in place, but the best music in here is of course is XK generated.

All Smiths instrument faces are clear and overall the dashboard is very smart. All electrics function exactly as they should. The hood lining is in good condition, but does have one or two darker marks here and there.

The boot area is nicely detailed and includes a full (and rare & expensive) set of original tools in their tool bag; there’s also a timber knock-off tool for the wheel spinners and a spare wheel.

We have asked those in the know, and apparently there is only one physical difference between this and a genuine DHC; the rear-view mirror should be located on the dash top, not from the ‘screen top. We are informed that visually this is the only variation you are likely to find as the conversion was done extremely well.

The braking system has been upgraded to 4-pot Cooper Craft front callipers and Zeus single-pot callipers at the rear, with new discs and splined hubs all round. ‘The engine starts immediately and sounds very crisp,’ says Alan. ‘The old girl really does drive beautifully. The manual gearbox works and engages very well and the open top driving is a treat.’

As the car is now at our Abingdon headquarters, and taking up a significant portion of all our respective down time, quite a few us here at The Market can also confirm that to be the case. It is stunning, with a wickedly strong and urgent power plant (265bhp was considerable for 1960 and it still thrills today), a smooth shifting box, compliant ride, sharp brakes and working overdrive. Oh, did we mention the exhaust note? XK heaven.

Back at a standstill, if you pop the bonnet you’ll see where a lot of Alan’s work has gone. It is immaculate and glorious. ‘The engine bay was painted in Old English White with all black ancillaries (media blasted and powder coated satin black), all alloy components were removed and professionally polished, Pumpkin cylinder head painted, new chrome engine nut and washer kit along with new gaskets fitted, new glass fuel filter, new HT leads and spark plugs.’ In addition, Alan got a bit bored during the recent lockdown and replaced the exhaust manifolds; both were enamelled and fitted with all new gaskets, brass nuts and manifold studs (at a cost of over £3k). There’s also an up-rated fan.

Get down on your hands and knees (not to pray to the god of all things Jaguar but to look underneath) and you’ll find a very clean and thoroughly protected underside.

If you’re seriously considering this car then take your time and electronically leaf through its two folders of history, the highlights of which we have detailed in our Photographic Gallery.

We’ve already described many of the numerous restorative and detailing works completed, and each of those accompanying invoices can be pored over to give an even more comprehensive picture of the car. There’s also a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate.

It’s superlative condition and the attention to detail is no accident. Time has been taken and the necessary moneys spent in order to bring it up to its current high standard.

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 is matching numbers and has been restored and maintained to the very highest level.

H-O-L-Y G-R-A-I-L. That’s what a 3.8S represents in the XK world. Yes, this car was converted back in the day, but it’s still a matching numbers 3.8S. Like other well-respected examples in other marques (I’m thinking Straman Daytona Spider, for example), it means that the next owner will be getting a car that’s indiscernible from an original 3.8S Drop-Head Coupe and therefore the full XK drop-top experience at a bargain price.

Over to Alan, ‘production numbers for the XK150 3.8S in RHD form are only 69 DHC. All said and done, it is one super rare Jaguar. An perfect, original matching numbers DHC or OTS commands in the region of £300k-£350k, which makes this car an absolute bargain!’

Our estimate of between £110,000 and £130,000 demonstrates just how much value this car offers. With superb attention to detail, much recent expenditure and some sensible driving upgrades it’s one seriously tasty XK indeed. All it needs to be driven and admired.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located at The Market’s Abingdon headquarters; 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’.