Jaguar XK150 3.4 S FHC RHD 1959 (1959) For sale from Twyford Moors, in Hampshire, United Kingdom

This ultra-rare Jaguar XK150 3.4 S is an original UK, right-hand drive fixedhead coupe. As such it is one of only 86 such models to have been built. It was dispatched in May 1959 to H.L. Abbott Motors Ltd of Essex and rather charmingly still displays the dealers’ plate in the engine bay. The car comes with a nice history file including the original log book, a record of previous owners and some lovely detailed letter from previous owners dating back as far as 1969.
The cars original owner was Davey & Armitage Ltd. The car was then sold to a Francis Gibson of East Dean Sussex and then in 1965 it was bought by a Fernando Semprini. Better known by his stage name, Alberto Semprini, Mr Semprini was a very successful English pianist, composer and conductor. Mr Semprini studied music at the Verdi Conservatory in Milan in 1928 and had a successful early career performing in Italy. In the late 1950s he returned to the UK and hosted a light music programme, ‘Semprini Serenade’, on the BBC. It first aired in 1957 and continued for some 25 years. From there the car changed hands a few more times withing the UK with the history file showing its movements until the early 1970s.
At some point the car was exported to Denmark and it is believed the car was restored out there. Little is known of the car’s history during this period, however it resurfaced in restored condition in 2006 having had the colour changed from Cotswold Blue to Red. Fortunately the car still appears to retain its original engine and gearbox etc and was nicely restored.
In 2010 the car was purchased by its current owner, returned to the UK and re-registered. Since then, no expense has been spared in caring for the car and there are many receipts showing what has been spent on the car. Since its return, besides regular maintained, the car has benefited from a respray and a full engine rebuild. It has also been lightly upgraded to improve reliability including a dynator (alternator which looks like the original dynamo), electronic ignition and an electric cooling fan.
This is a beautifully presented car with near faultless paintwork and excellent chrome. The interior shows some signs of age since its restoration which gives the car a charming, lived-in feel whilst still looking very smart. To drive this XK150 is a joy. The gearbox is smooth and the overdrive engages swiftly. The ride and handling are just as you would wish for an XK to behave and the whole driving experience inspires confidence.