This Jaguar XK150 open two-seater or OTS is a left-hand drive car which was originally exported to the USA. The history file includes documents dating back to when the car was new including the original Jaguar Guarantee certificate and Service Voucher. The name on the Service Voucher is Gordon Gray Jr and one assumes he was the first owner.
Receipts dating back to the early 1960s show that in California. In 1962 this XK150 appears to have been owned by a Robert Horton and was located in Santa Monica and by 1964 it was in the hands of a Mr Glen Huling in Beverly Hills. A receipt shows that in 1974 shows the car was sold via Peter Satori Co in Pasadena California to an Ian Patten and the car was again sold through XK’s Unlimited of California to a Gordon Elly in 1985.
While still in the USA it appears the car was extensively upgraded with period modifications. These upgrades include a straight-port cylinder head from a 3.8 litre E-Type along with the matching inlet manifold and triple 2” carburettors. This in effect brings the car up to ‘S’ specification. The car was also fitted with an all-synchro overdrive gearbox from a MK2 saloon. The car also features a rather nice hardtop which is a very rare and unusual addition to an XK150 roadster.
In 2018 the car was imported back into the UK, has been fully registered here with the DVLA and has received an age-related registration plate. Since arriving back in the UK the car has been recommissioned as it would appear to have been off the road for a period. The suspension has been rebuilt using modern polyurethane suspension bushes, the car has been converted to negative earth, an aluminium radiator and cooling fan have been fitted and electronic ignition has been added amongst much other work.
Judging from the condition of the paintwork and the interior this XK has never been restored but has had work as required throughout its life. As such it carries a fair few battle scars and has a level of patina rarely seen in a usable and solid car of this age. This car certainly isn’t a show winner but there is a charm in its flaws that captures something of classic car ownership in a way few XKs do.
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