A CLASSIC Jaguar that’s covered in rust is set to sell for £80,000 despite being completely undriveable.
The 1959 XK150 Roadster was an icon of post-war Britain but is in a sorry state today.
Jam Press/Brian Henniker/GoodingThis 1959 Jaguar XK150 is set to sell for £80,000[/caption]
Jam Press/Brian Henniker/GoodingThat’s despite the fact that it is covered in rust and completely undriveable[/caption]
With a top speed of 136mph and a 0-60 of 7.3 seconds in its prime, it was one of the fastest sports cars of its era.
Now, though, it has fallen into complete disrepair and doesn’t even run.
The bonnet, boot and bodywork have largely rusted over and are covered in a thick layer of grime.
And the windscreen is so dirty that you can’t actually see through it.
Nonetheless, it is still set to fetch around £80,000 when it is auctioned off on December 8.
That sum is, surprisingly, quite a low estimate for the model, with pristine examples having previously sold for over £160,000.
It no doubt helps that only 888 were ever made in a short production run from 1958-61, meaning it’s hard enough to find any XK150 Roadster, let alone one that works.
However, the price tag likely reflects the fact that prospective owners will have to pour money into the Jag to restore it to its former glory.
According to its history files, it was bought from Jaguar Cars of New York and collected by its first owner in Coventry, Rhode Island, in June 1959.
In more recent years it has been in “long-term single-family ownership”, which may explain why it has only done 44,660 miles since it was produced over 60 years ago.
Sadly, it has been held in static storage for several years at least and is currently a non-starter.
The auction listing for the motor reads: “Launched in 1958, the XK150 S represents the ultimate development of Jaguar’s legendary line of XK sports cars.
“These Jaguars were among the fastest and most comfortable GT cars of the late 1950s.
“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.
“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.”
The sale, run by Gooding & Co of Santa Monica, California, finishes on December 8 at 5pm GMT (9am PST).
It comes after a luxury Ferrari that has done just one mile a year since it rolled off the production line went up for sale at an eye-watering price.
Jam Press/Brian Henniker/GoodingThe stunning classic was one of the fastest cars of its era[/caption]
Jam Press/Brian Henniker/GoodingSadly, it’s been left in static storage for years[/caption]
Jam Press/Brian Henniker/GoodingDespite being a British icon, it has spent all of its life in America[/caption]
The auction concludes on December 8Jam Press/Brian Henniker/Gooding