Legacy Metrics

1959 Jaguar XK150 3.8 Drophead Coupé

5837280BWroadUnited Kingdom
Engine
3.8L inline-six, bored from 3.4L block, 'S'-spec cylinder head and camshafts, uprated internals
Colour
Old English White

A 1959 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupé that has been comprehensively restored and substantially upgraded to improve performance and reliability. Acquired in already-restored condition from a US dealer in 2015 and subsequently brought to the UK, the car was subjected to a further thorough programme of works overseen by an independent XK specialist. Notable enhancements include an enlarged 3.8-litre engine conversion, a five-speed Borg Warner automatic transmission, electric power steering, and a rebuilt front suspension and rear axle, all documented in an extensive history file.

Ownership

  1. 2021-03-20Auction sale
    Estimate £80,000 – £100,000

    Bonhams catalogue lot →

  2. → 2015
    Mark Hyman
    partial documentation

    US-based dealer or collector from whom the car was acquired in restored condition. Vehicle was repainted and had interior work completed during US ownership period.

  3. 2015 →Private sale
    Current vendor
    full documentation

    Imported the car to the UK after purchase, then commissioned extensive mechanical and cosmetic upgrades overseen by an independent XK specialist, with all works thoroughly documented.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

  1. 2015
    Inspection

    Comprehensive condition survey conducted after import to the UK, identifying further works required.

    Overseen by an independent Jaguar XK consultant engaged by the current owner.

  2. Restoration
    Mark Hyman

    Full cosmetic restoration carried out in the USA, including a bare-metal repaint in Old English White, fitting of a new mohair convertible hood, and a contrasting red leather interior retrim.

    Completed prior to the 2015 sale; exact date not recorded in the catalogue.

  3. Engine rebuild

    Engine uprated to 3.8-litre specification using a later 3.4 block bored out, fitted with a 3.4 S-type cylinder head, upgraded connecting rods, crankshaft, timing gear, oil pump, and S-type camshafts.

    Works commissioned post-2015 import and overseen by an independent XK specialist.

  4. Modification

    Transmission replaced with a five-speed Borg Warner 65 automatic unit equipped with an oil cooler; an aluminium radiator with electric fan fitted; all electrical systems upgraded; electric power steering added.

    Part of the same post-import upgrade programme commissioned by the current vendor.

  5. Mechanical

    Front suspension and rear axle overhauled as part of the broader recommissioning and upgrade programme.

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Each chassis record is compiled from public auction archives and links to its source material. Ownership, competition and maintenance entries are extracted from those catalogue listings by an LLM, which can make mistakes — please contact us with any corrections. The summary is Legacy Metrics’ own writing; we do not reproduce catalogue text.

“Full” and “partial” documentation labels indicate how well each entry is corroborated in the underlying sources, not an audit of the car’s physical paperwork. Names of recent or living owners are withheld for privacy.