Rare, vintage Jaguar to sell for £80,000 despite being covered in RUST and not drivable

A rare, vintage Jaguar is set to sell for £80,000 despite it being covered in RUST and not drivable.

The black 1959 XK150 S 3.4-litre Roadster boasted a top speed of 136mph and a 0-60mph of 7.3 seconds in its prime.

But the motor – one of only 888 built – going under the hammer has fallen into disrepair.

It has been in storage for years and buyers have been warned it “may not be currently operational” and needs “mechanical attention prior to road use.”

The auctioneers say it is the “ideal candidate for a complete, ground-up restoration.”

The bonnet, boot, and side panels are rusty and also covered in grime.

There are also huge holes in the leather seats of the soft-top classic car.

The front windscreen is so mucky and you can’t see through it.

But it is expected to sell for £80,000 at the Gooding and Company auction.

Other examples of this model have previously been put up for sale for double the price at £160,000.

The listing reads: “Launched in 1958, the XK150 S represents the ultimate development of Jaguar’s legendary line of XK sports cars.

“In its original 3.4-litre form, the ’S’ model yielded significant performance dividends, with three SU carburettors, straight-port intake manifolds, and upgraded camshafts contributing 60 hp over the standard XK150.

“Equipped with Le Mans-proven Dunlop disc brakes, these Jaguars were among the fastest and most comfortable GT cars of the late 1950s.

“The most sporting version was the Roadster, of which only 888 were built.”

It adds: “According to the accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate, this XK150 S Roadster was completed on April 23, 1959, finished in the striking colour scheme of Black with Red leather upholstery and a Sand soft top.

“Originally ordered through Jaguar Cars of New York, the Jaguar’s first owner collected it in Coventry in June 1959, where it was issued registration no. “UKV 426.”

“Recently discovered in long-term, single family ownership, this XK150 S is presented in as-found condition and appears to be an ideal candidate for a complete, ground-up restoration.

“Displaying 44,660 miles on the odometer when catalogued, this unrestored Jaguar retains its original, matching-numbers engine (block and head), chassis, and body per the JDHT certificate on file.

“Given its rarity, ideal specification, handsome colours, and eligibility for some of the most popular driving events and concours, this 3.4-litre XK150 S Roadster represents an exciting opportunity for the enthusiast looking for a worthy and rewarding restoration project.

“Please note that this vehicle has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to road use.”

The online auction run by Gooding and Company, of Santa Monica, California, US, finishes today (8 Dec).

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