Smashed Classic: 1960 Jaguar XK150 S Drophead Coupe
Sometimes it is pretty easy to tell when you’re having a bad day. When you head out for a drive in a classic car that commands a six-figure value and the journey ends with it looking like this, it certainly isn’t a great day. This 1960 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupe is the desirable “S” derivative, which was the most potent XK150 model on offer. It has suffered a shocking fate, but it is now set to go to a new home. It has been listed for sale here at Bonhams Auctions and will go under the hammer on May 22nd with No Reserve. The auction estimate has been set at between $14,000 and $21,000. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Robin D for spotting this once magnificent classic for us.
I don’t know what this Jaguar hit, but whatever it was must have been a reasonably immovable object. In its prime, the Signal Red XK150 would have been a stunning car. It has been reduced to a shadow of its former self, and the damage would appear to be more than merely cosmetic. Judging by how the front wheel has been shoved back, there is a fair chance that the frame has suffered significant damage. The seller supplies no photos of the vehicle’s underside, so we are flying blind on that front. There is no doubt that the car will need to be dismantled to the last nut and bolt, and there’s a good chance that only then will the true extent of the damage become apparent. It’s also worth noting that the evidence of primer and Bondo that can be seen in the photos indicates that this is not the first time the Jag has suffered some form of accident damage. That is something else for potential buyers to consider if they take on this restoration. If those repairs weren’t performed well, it will add further to an already long list of work that will be required if the XK150 is to grace our roads once again.
It was what was going on under the hood that separated the XK150 S from lesser mortals. The engine bay was filled by a 3,781cc DOHC six-cylinder engine backed by a manual transmission. Where the regular 3.8 would produce around 220hp, these engines received a few upgrades. These included a better cylinder head, while the original twin SU “HD6” carburetors made way for triple “HD8s.” The upshot was an engine that now pumped out an impressive 265hp. It also meant that while a regular Drophead Coupe would cover the ¼ mile in 16.1 seconds, the “S” could achieve a low 15-second ET. It appears that this engine is complete, but there are no indications about its state of health. The way the steel has wrapped around the engine has to be cause for concern. That could mean that there has been some form of physical damage to the motor or its peripheral equipment. The front carburetor and intake are particularly prone in a situation like this, so it will require a careful inspection once the vehicle has been dismantled.
When we look inside the Jaguar, we gain a graphic insight into how brutal this impact must have been. The steering wheel is about as bent and twisted as you are ever likely to see, and it makes you hope that the occupants didn’t suffer any serious injuries. After all, life and limb are far more important than steel and glass in a situation like this. The interior will need some work, but I would start the process by treating everything to a deep clean. The upholstered surfaces wear a heavy coating of dust and dirt, but I suspect that the leather beneath might be in good order. The seats look like they will need new foam, but if the original leather can be brought back by elbow grease and a quality leather conditioner, it would help the car retain its original character. However, if the buyer discovers that the upholstery requires replacement, it won’t be the end of the world. Most pieces are readily available, and when the potential value of this classic is taken into consideration, it could be worth the expense.
Jaguar produced 9,395 examples of the XK150 during its production run. Of these, a mere 282 were the XK150 S. That makes this a rare car, and it’s easy to see why a potent classic like this can easily command a six-figure value. Good cars fetch $150,000 when they come onto the market, but pristine examples will top $200,000. This car is a long way from pristine, and getting it to that state will be a significant undertaking. I hope somebody will be willing to tackle the restoration of this Jaguar because it doesn’t seem right that a car of this type should end its days in this state.
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Comments
How long ago did the accident to this car occur? It looks as though it has been stored away since that fateful day! Bring deep pockets to this auction, and have some in reserve for the repair/restoration. :-)
I felt physical pain seeing these photos. Sad to say the words but…parts car.
Imagine what the driver felt.
The accident was 25 years ago according to the UK site listed in a comment below.
Unfortunately, judging by the condition of the steering wheel and the head print in windshield, someone was definitely not in good shape after this collision. Hopefully, it wasn’t fatal.
Did this even have seat belts when it was wrecked. Don’t see any sign of any.
One of my all time favorite cars.
Years ago I was at a junk yard pulling a few interior pieces out of a car when I saw the smashed windshield and a whole bunch of hair stuck to it. I moved to another car to get parts. It just felt creepy.
I suspect this sat in a tow yard while the owner’s estate was being settled. No belts, folded steering wheel, and head into windshield/frame. Sad. But it happens. Old cars are neat, but not safe.
In late 1976, an 18 year old girl, my sister’s age, was taking a different route home from work to her home, in Dedham, MA. She was hit head-on by a drunk driver, who survived. She was killed. I saw the car in a junkyard, a red 1966 Falcon. The steering wheel was bent down, all the way around the steering column. There’s a lot more you could say, but we all know what that would be.
Car went from a “drop-head” to a “drop-dead” in an instant!
Reading the original it even says…..This rare 1960 Jaguar XK150 S 3.8 Drophead Coupe has seen better days – in fact, it currently looks less like a Drophead and more like dropped-on-its-head. So Jason Read It …..https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-9504253/Mangled-classic-Jaguar-set-sell-10k-worth-250k.html
Driver walked away from the accident and towed it Home
Had a ’59 Porsche Convertible D in this condition but with more front damage due to the engine being in the rear. Stared at it for 2 years before deciding it should donate the “organs” to save other cars. It eventually helped save 3 different 356s from the crusher. This Jag fits very well in the “doner” category. Too bad. These are beautiful cars.
I say let it stand as it is. It belongs in a museum as a piece of art. I could see an artist making a rendering and producing a limited print. I would love to hang this on my wall. Just the front view of course.
Good idea on the print but I think I’d like to know how the driver did before I hung it on my wall. Print, then parts. That will work.
Just my take on this car and discussion. Very cool car, so sorry for the shape it is in now. Unreal what they are placing the auction value at though…
This has got to be a parts car in the end, at least for me.
The damage looks too severe for much more. (?)
From the damage photos I wonder if the driver survived, I am not sure.
Either way I am not ever going to buy a vehicle someone either died in, or suffered extreme injury in. Others may not feel the same way though.
It takes a hell of an impact to bend a steering wheel like that, I can feel the pain right through my laptop screen.
It’s a no reserve auction, so it will be interesting to see where it lands. “Feeling the pain right through my laptop screen” is spot-on.
Good demonstration of why they required collapsible steering columns after 1968 or so. In this case, the driver’s ribcage absorbed the collision and his skull absorbed the windshield. Chances of survival , unfortunately, were slim.
And consider how long the front end was, and how short it is now.
Fractured my sternum in a car accident. I can’t imagine the driver faired well.
..another thing, as my feeble memory recalls, isn’t the body fitted on a wooden frame? Setting so many years, that has to be rotten.
No, this is a metal body on a ladder chassis, not coachbuilt.
Given the wrecked, it doesn’t Master too much.
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-9504253/Mangled-classic-Jaguar-set-sell-10k-worth-250k.html
Thanks Eric! From Eric’s article ” Fortunate enough to walk away from the accident unscathed, the keeper picked up the car from the scene of the incident on a trailer and transported it to his garage at his property.” Hard to believe, but happy for the driver. If mine, not sure I could walk by it for all those years.
Not buying the “unscathed” bit. A hole in the windshield, collapsed broken steering wheel, etc. Believe me, I know.
He must have been stinking drunk. Drunks have an uncanny ability to survive severe car crashes. Something to do with their bodies not tensing up before the impact.
Thanks for the link to the whole story.Didn’t know the accident was in England.
A lack of safety equipment in classics is why I’m driving a future classic. Ford fFex Ecoboost.
I agree Jay!
Will be paying for being hit by an idiot the rest of my life. Not a minute goes by that I don’t feel that pain. Brain damage and broken back, never enough money in the world to fix that…love all the old rides but they scare the crap out of me these days.
If I ever build another ride it will have 5 point belts and roll cage before it ever goes down the road anywhere.
I’ve put retracting shoulder belts, carefully anchored, on my last 3 old cars. Think about it, if the belt works it keeps you from hitting the steering wheel and to some extent even the air bag on a new car. It is the first line of defense. For me, the 2nd line of defense is 4000 pounds of late 40’s Lincoln Continental with a fully boxed frame.
Nae seatbelts, a non-collabsible steering column – and bent/broken wheel – and a heidbutt at the windscreen disnae augur well.
Used to be a thing at the borders scrappies – watch out for the cars with the green stains, ‘cos that had been blood. The town scrappies were mostly MOT failures.
We had a day like this a few years ago thanks to an out of state driver.Did manage to save her thanks to list members who had used parts plus what I had.Been scared to drive her ever since.
In the words of Colonel Potter…..”meadow muffins”…..there is no way the keeper “walked away unscathed”. Obvisously an attempt to remove the “gross factor” which would impact the sale.
With no seatbelts, the top half of the steering wheel bent to the extent it is, together with the whack to the winshield means someone came up out of that seat hard and fast…..and if the top was down would have more than likely have left the vehicle.
Yeah, you can walk away from something like this…and be found staggering in shock and bleeding while mumbling the Pledge of Allegiance.
out lthe vehicle like a cannon.
Shame on you!
You made me laugh out loud.
It’s completely natural to brace your arms against the steering wheel when you know a crash is imminent. Even our ’79 Honda Accord ended up with a folded steering wheel when a van pulled out it front of my brother. He braced for impact against it and rapid deceleration did the rest. Of course that car has shoulder belts, so he didn’t make contact with much else.
Might work here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqSBeNvM21M
Resembles a shriveled up rotten tomato left behind in the garden.
I have a grille for this car if someone does the restoration.
I see there is no Air Bag…
Hi,
Not strictly regarding this car, but a friend has mentioned to me that exporting a non runner from the States to UK could be a nightmare. Could any one out there advise me, please, what the pitfalls are that I am about to come accross? Thanks!
I believe the car is already in the UK, so bid away!
Ouch!!! appears to be the common theme for those observant souls looking at this collection of potential scrap. I think the majority of the commenters agree about its eventual disposition. The interesting thing to note brings up the discussion regarding seat belts in your classic car. At the risk of corrupting originality, I have observed many classic owners stating they would not install them. Clearly, it appears this owner would have benefitted to some degree, by not marrying his or her windshield via the steering wheel on the way to the chapel. For those of us who own these classics… probably a good idea to cast aside the stigma, and get out that drill, nuts, bolts, washers and have to it…. If anything, you’ll feel better buckled in…
I helped in removing an engine from a badly damaged XK150 and the passenger’s brains were all over the windshield.HE was the owner and his girl fiend piled it into a dump truck that was parked in a road construction on I-64.She survived and was in bad shape for a long time.Speed was estimated at over 80MPH.
The auction estimate has been set at between $14,000 and $21,000.
For yard art. But you’d have to be blind drunk to appreciate it.
No way someone walked away from this “unscathed”. That’s just a sales pitch. Looks like a 40+ mph crash to me.
I had a ’60 XK 150 S. Bought, in 1967, just a little rust underneath, terrible pink/purple repaint over original dark blue, Borg Warner automatic, 5 chrome wire wheels, incredibly fast and hung to the road, drove for two years, and sold, later, by then a barn find (was in a friend’s airplane hanger and he needed the space) not running, for $350 in 1972, turned over, but would not start, and local garage which claimed “foreign car” expertise, could not fix. Mortgage and baby forced sale. Now, if I had stored it for 50 years, at $110/month, on the average, it would have cost me about $75,000, and it would need all new rubber and cork parts, and assuming I had not emptied out the gas, a full cleaning of the fuel system, a battery, tires, radiator cored, brake lines and cylinders, it did have lap belts, say $10,000 if I had to pay a foreign car service to fix it, so maybe I would have come out ahead! Or, rare as it is, I would not have broken even, due to automatic transmission, and if back to blue, two repaints, plus aftermarket seat and shoulder belts. Was told I should not put radial tires on it, since the wire wheels were designed for a tire that would drift sidewise, not hold the lateral force, and they would warp if I pushed them.
Someone with no financial constraints may see this and think it’s a shame that it happened and spend what it takes to restore it. Gotta remember folks, there are tens of thousands of people around who would look at the restoration expense as most of us would a new set of tires.
As a one of just 69 RHD DHC S model XK150’s with original leather and matching numbers engine/transmission there is no question this car will sell well and be restored. Its rarity ensures its worth the enormous task. (all info from the linked article)
British version of Christine.
Great..! Then all you have to do is keep rolling it back and forth and it will restore itself!
And, eventually, the odometer will show 0 miles :)
Mike Burnett There are no problems importing a non runner into U.K.ive done it twice now. Having a registration document is probably more important. A car that doesn’t roll might be more tricky, though.
Hi Neil
Unusual name. Where abouts are you?
Regards
Chris Munn
New Zealand
This cat is ready to pounce, on somebodies wallet.
Pre-airbag (for those of us old enough to have learned back then) you put your hands at 10 am and 2 pm on the steering wheel. Post-airbag not all driving instructors have caught up, but putting your hands there, in anticipation of a head on crash will result in the airbag slamming your forearms into your face, breaking the bones in your forearms and your face, whereas, with modern seat belt tensioners (the little .22 caliber round in which goes off and holds the seat belt tight in a crash) and the airbag, you might just get a black eye or two and maybe a broken nose. Now the problem with this system is that the tensioner does not release, and if the belt is really tight, you can’t unbuckle it, it must be cut, which is OK unless the car is on fire.
I’m praying for the driver and passenger, God help them.
It’ll polish out
Buff……..it’ll buff out :)
He blew his mind out in a car
He didn’t notice that the light had changed
Leave it like it is, take it to schools to illustrate dangers of texting and driving.
“I like it, but I can’t see, and it pulls to the right.”
Seat belts may help and I know a man who has them in a Duesenberg but the big risk in those pre WW2 cars was and is the body coming off the frame.
Survived or not this appears to be a very tragic accident, I’m not familiar with all states regulations and have no idea
of other countries but here in Wa, if you rebuild this it still will be issued a “salvage” or “rebuilt” title which may make it difficult to insure, resell, or even license, depending on repair quality. Not that that makes a difference to a trailer queen, but……
The story:
1996, Hull, East Yorkshire. Wet road, Jaguar, tree.
Owner brings it home on a trailer.
Time passes.
Owner decides he isn’t going to get around to restoring it. Decides to sell.
“Hello, Bonhams?”
And…You Are Here >!<
For all of you ruminating on the "back story", make the small effort to read the "This Is Money" article here:
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/cars/article-9504253/Mangled-classic-Jaguar-set-sell-10k-worth-250k.html
It has all the answers to your questions and should put an end to the idle speculation.
With the modern chassis straightening gear now a motivated person would have this back on the road on 6 months
This one is a bit of a head scratcher. I’m a little surprised that Bonham’s would want to handle something like this. There’s no disguising what it is. The idea that “it could be worth up to $250,000” is pure speculation.
A quick search reveals quite a few xj150s for sale on Hemmings. Gullwing has a nice looking original for $79,000 and a rough one for $59,000. There are a bunch the Netherlands with the always annoying “Inquire” come-on.
That’s just Hemmings. Ebay shows a few more. One thing they all have in common, none of them are wrecked.
Where did they come up with the $14K-$21K estimated final bid? Considering what you are starting with and the amount of work you will have to do just to get it unfolded to start restoration wouldn’t you have spent more than buying an unwrecked project?
I can see someone taking it on a a challenge to their skills and abilities but I wouldn’t pay $14-21k for the opportunity. If I had the skill and the time it might be worth no more than a careful evaluation of the value of any usable/salable parts. It’s really a parts car or totally ambitious restoration.
But in the parallel world of crazy money that exists alongside our mundane world of mortgage, rent, grocery bills, shoes for the kids, etcetera, there are those who are taking a required distribution or selling off some excess Tesla stock or whatever who might say:”Wouldn’t it be fun?”
I am interested enough to want to know how this all winds up.
Wow…can you believe how much attention this sad old car has received via this site. It’s all over Facebook and the Old British Car sites. Astounding.
You ‘aint seen ‘nothin yet Chris. Just wait until it’s restored and coming up for sale on one of the top classic car auctions and then see how many comments it gets.