1959 Jaguar XK150 SE Fixed-Head Coupe project
Complete, matching-numbers XK150 SE coupe priced well below recent project sales; confirm the $14,900 price first.
Why we picked it
This 1959 XK150 SE fixed-head coupe came out of a Florida estate after the seller says it spent 35 to 40 years stored indoors. It has the 3.4-liter six with a four-speed overdrive gearbox, wire wheels and twin exhaust, and the seller says the original data plate confirms matching numbers. It shows 58,551 miles, which the seller believes are original. It is now Sage Green over red, originally Olde English White.
It does not run yet. The seller says the engine turns freely by hand and the car is complete, with good panel fit and one small dent in the left front fender. It has a clear title. The page headline says $14,900 but the description text says $19,900, so confirm the price before going further. Kurt Tanner asks for a $2,000 non-refundable deposit and does no mechanical checks, so plan on an inspection.
The value check
The seller is asking $14,900. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $19,500–$28,000, so the middle of the market is about $23,750. That put this car 37% under.
Recent XK150 coupes needing work sold on Bring a Trailer for $19,500 (1958 3.8 SE project, Aug 2026) and $28,000 (1958 3.4 coupe, Jul 2026); drivers have brought $35,000 to $40,000. At $14,900 this is about 37% under the $23,750 project midpoint.
- 1958 XK150 3.8 SE coupe project, $19,500 (BaT, Aug 2026)
- 1958 XK150 3.4 coupe, $28,000 (BaT, Jul 2026)
- 1959 XK150 3.8 SE coupe, $35,000 (BaT, Jun 2026)
What to check
- Price mismatch on the listing: headline $14,900, description $19,900; get the current figure in writing before paying the deposit
- XK150 bodies rust in the sills, the floor, the A-post bases, the rear wheel arches and the boot floor; get it on a lift, because paint and filler hide sill repairs
- An engine stored for 35-40 years needs the head off or at least a bore inspection, plus a full fuel, cooling and brake system strip-down before it is started
- The chassis number points to a left-hand-drive coupe; check the engine, body and gearbox numbers against the data plate and get a JDHT Heritage Certificate
- The $2,000 deposit is non-refundable and the dealer does no mechanical checks
Making it drive like new
Most XK150 builders keep the XK six but add a five-speed (Getrag or Tremec conversion kits exist), rack-and-pinion steering, an aluminum radiator with an electric fan, upgraded front brakes and a modern ignition. These cars are worth more close to original, so choose bolt-on changes you can undo.
