1961 Jaguar XK150 3.8 with matching numbers and overdrive, an unrestored survivor priced under $30k

Why we picked it

This is a 1961 XK150, the last year of the XK line before the E-Type, with the 3.8-liter six, a manual gearbox with overdrive and four-wheel disc brakes. The dealer, B & S Enterprises, describes it as an unrestored survivor in white over black leather, with matching numbers, an engine rebuild and reseal about 5,000 miles ago, 67,600 miles on the odometer, a folder of service records and owner history going back about 50 years. The seller says it came out of California, appears very solid and drives well, and there is a driving video on the listing.

Running XK150s rarely sell for less than about $40k, and a 1961 left-hand-drive coupe in original condition brought $39,600 in May 2025. At $29,900 this car is well below that, even before counting the 3.8 engine. The listing does not state the body style, and the VIN as typed (S847049DN) does not match the usual XK150 chassis number ranges, so check the chassis plate, confirm whether it is a coupe, drophead or roadster, and ask for a Jaguar Heritage certificate before you buy.

The value check

The seller is asking $29,900. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $40,000–$60,000, so the middle of the market is about $50,000. That put this car 40% under.

Unrestored, running XK150s in driver condition have recently sold from about $40k (a 1961 LHD coupe at $39,600 in May 2025) to the $50k-80k range for nicer coupes; open cars bring more. At $29,900 this is about 40% under a $50k midpoint even if it turns out to be a coupe, the least valuable body.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1961 Jaguar XK150 coupe, original, 68k mi, sold $39,600 (May 2025)
• 1961 XK150 coupe comps (CLASSIC.COM range $39k-124k, CMB about $65.7k)

What to check

• Listing does not state body style or title status; confirm both, and check that the chassis plate matches the title (the VIN shown looks mistyped)
• XK150 rust spots: sills, floor pans, A-post bases, door bottoms, rear wheel arches and the boot floor; look under the car, not just at the paint
• Check the chassis rails and outriggers for rot or old crash repair
• 3.8 engines can run hot and leak oil; ask for the rebuild receipts and do a compression test
• Confirm the overdrive engages and the four-wheel disc brakes (servo, calipers) are sound after sitting
• Wire wheels and splines: check for loose spokes and worn hubs

Making it drive like new

An XK150 suits a light-touch upgrade that keeps it original: an aluminum radiator and electric fan for cooling, an alternator conversion, a modern ignition, and a five-speed gearbox swap (Getrag or Tremec kits exist) if you plan long highway trips. Stiffer torsion bars, poly bushings and a rack-and-pinion conversion sharpen the steering, and three-point belts are a sensible safety add. Keep the original parts so the car can go back to stock.