1958 Jaguar XK150 'S' 3.4 Roadster

Produced between 1957 and 1961 the XK150 was the final evolution of the XK120 and 140 range that had put Jaguar firmly on the map as a world class sports car producer. The 'S' version was the pinnacle of the range, as was the Roadster version, the 3.4 straight six engine giving 250bhp from three 2 inch SU carburettors and a straight ported cylinder head. All this gave a 0-60 of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 132mph, the fastest production car of its day.

Supplied new in September 1958 through Jaguar Cars New York, this particularly rare Roadster was bought by a Mr. JJ Dolce of Salt Lake City, Utah. He was a speed enthusiast who then proceeded to enter what was then the world's fastest production car for the Bonneville Speed Trial of 1959. His new acquisition had covered just 500 miles when he dropped the clutch at the start line... and it was to cover very few more miles as he proceeded to lose control and subsequently barrel roll the car on the famous Salt Flats!

The remains of the car were subsequently purchased by Mario Carafanello in 1960, who dry stored it for the next 40 years. As the classic market rose, fell and rose again the existence of this low mileage car came to a head in 2000 when it was acquired by UK classic restorer Mike Ball of Beacon Garage (car restorers owned by the same family since 1923) and bodywork guru, Ray Miles, of the DMR repair centre. Being experienced chaps they then, wisely, traced the original owner, JJ Dolce, and asked him to confirm legally both the mileage and the history of the car by making out an affidavit that was duly signed by a Notary Public. This accompanies the car in the comprehensive history file and the whole story is told in full in the September '09 edition of the magazine 'Jaguar World', copies of which are also available with the car.

The complete and comprehensive story of the following nine year restoration programme is best told by the article in the Jaguar World magazine. Suffice to say that every nut and bolt that could be re-used was, and every new part was sourced with great care and attention to detail to preserve the originality, integrity and authenticity of the car. There was no corrosion in any part of the original car, even the brake calipers 'were like taking parts out of Jaguar's stores' with all mechanical component parts intact. This included the engine, where there was ' no corrosion inside the block whatsoever and, with the core plugs removed for investigation, nothing but clear fluid passed through.' There is a photographic record of the entire restoration process in the history file with this Lot.

The gearbox and clutch were examined and found to be 'factory fresh'. Inside the gearbox casing - 'the red protective coating on the casting could have been applied the week before as it was so good. As a precaution all bearings were replaced and, of course, so was the three part clutch'.

The challenge of restoring and rebuilding the car is very comprehensively covered by the Jaguar World article, as are the challenges of getting all the panels 'barrel straight' and 'perfect fit and shut lines', all made doubly tricky on black shiny new paintwork. The car was finally finished in time for its first public appearance at the JEC anniversary meeting at Thoresby Hall in June 2009.

The car, when driven by Jaguar World after this event, was said to drive 'perfectly' and 'pulled up as square as any' and 'did not have a single squeak or rattle'.

In short - this concours car with an incredible and absolutely genuine 580 miles on the clock offers a totally unique opportunity to own a magnificent piece of correctly documented Jaguar history. It has a fantastic and fascinating story to tell and will enhance any serious collection with huge long term investment opportunities. It is the best 'XK' Silverstone Auctions has ever seen and we are proud and delighted to play a part in its future journey.