Jaguar XK150 Restoration
Project Information
Project Description:
Jaguar XK150 Restoration Yorkshire – A Complete Ground-Up Rebuild by Classic Car Lab
A Hand-Built British Icon Reborn at Our Yorkshire Classic Car Restoration Workshop
The Jaguar XK150 is widely regarded as one of the most elegant British sports cars ever produced. Combining beautiful flowing body lines with grand touring comfort and strong performance, the XK150 represented the final evolution of Jaguar’s legendary XK series.
This particular Jaguar XK150 arrived at Classic Car Lab Yorkshire as a major restoration project requiring a complete ground-up rebuild. Originally imported from New York as a left-hand drive vehicle, the car required extensive structural, mechanical, cosmetic and interior restoration work before it could return to the road.
Projects of this scale are what define our Yorkshire classic car restoration workshop.
From bare-metal body restoration and hand-fabricated steel panels to engine rebuilding, lead loading, paintwork, bespoke trim and right-hand drive conversion, this XK150 underwent one of the most comprehensive restorations we have undertaken.
The end result was not simply a repaired car — it was a completely reborn Jaguar XK150 built to an exceptional standard while remaining true to the spirit of the original car.
Full Strip Down & Bare-Metal Restoration
Every major classic car restoration begins with a complete disassembly.
The Jaguar was stripped back to its bare shell so we could fully assess the condition of the body and chassis. As with many imported classics, previous repairs, corrosion and ageing were uncovered once the paint and filler were removed.
At Classic Car Lab, we believe proper restoration starts with honesty.
Rather than covering imperfections, the car was taken right back to bare metal, allowing our experienced Yorkshire restoration team to rebuild the vehicle correctly from the ground up.
Hand Fabrication & Structural Repairs
Large sections of the body required extensive reconstruction.
Many replacement panels for classic Jaguars either require significant modification or are no longer available, so our craftsmen fabricated numerous repair sections by hand to ensure correct fitment and originality. This included carefully shaping large steel sections, repairing structural areas and rebuilding corroded sections of the body shell.
Traditional lead loading techniques were also used throughout the restoration process — a specialist skill that is becoming increasingly rare within the modern motor trade. Lead loading allowed us to achieve the correct flowing body lines while maintaining the integrity and authenticity expected of a high-end Jaguar restoration.
Every panel was repeatedly trial-fitted before paint preparation began, ensuring the panel gaps, shut lines and body contours remained true to how Jaguar originally intended the XK150 to look.
This stage alone required hundreds of hours of painstaking craftsmanship.
Right-Hand Drive Conversion
One of the most significant elements of this restoration was converting the Jaguar from left-hand drive to right-hand drive specification.
Fortunately, Jaguar’s original engineering design made this process more achievable than many people realise, with mounting points and apertures already incorporated into both sides of the bulkhead from the factory.
Even so, this remained a highly detailed undertaking requiring precision engineering and careful alignment of steering, dashboard, pedal assemblies and associated mechanical systems.
The result was a factory-style right-hand drive conversion that looked completely original once completed.
Jaguar XK150 Engine Rebuild & Mechanical Restoration
The mechanical restoration was equally comprehensive.
The XK engine was fully stripped and rebuilt from the ground up at our Yorkshire classic car restoration workshop. Every component was inspected, measured and either restored or replaced to ensure reliability, drivability and long-term durability.
Major engine restoration work included:
- Full strip down and inspection
- Rebored engine block
- New pistons and piston rings
- Cylinder head restoration
- Replacement bearings and seals
- Timing components renewed
- Cooling system restoration
- Carburettor rebuilding and tuning
- Fuel system refurbishment
- Electrical system upgrades
- Complete servicing and recommissioning
The engine and drivetrain were rebuilt to provide the smooth performance and grand touring character the Jaguar XK150 is famous for.
The suspension, braking system and associated mechanical components were also restored and rebuilt, transforming the vehicle both mechanically and cosmetically.
Bespoke Paintwork & Body Preparation
Once the fabrication and metalwork stages were complete, the Jaguar entered the body preparation and paint phase.
This process involved countless hours of panel refinement, priming, blocking and alignment checks to ensure the finished car displayed crisp reflections and flawless body lines.
The client requested a completely bespoke exterior colour rather than a standard factory Jaguar shade. At Classic Car Lab Yorkshire, we are always happy to work closely with clients to create truly individual restorations tailored specifically to their vision.
The completed paintwork gave the XK150 a deep, elegant finish perfectly suited to the timeless styling of the car.
As Yorkshire classic car paint and bodywork specialists, we undertake everything from bare-metal classic car resprays and concours refinishing to corrosion repairs, structural restoration and specialist paintwork for classic and modern classic vehicles.
Interior Restoration & Bespoke Trim
The interior restoration was equally detailed.
The customer chose a bespoke leather specification using a different grain and finish from the original factory trim, creating a more personalised and luxurious feel while still respecting the character of the car.
The cabin was completely retrimmed with new leather, carpets, insulation and interior detailing throughout. A brand-new hood was also fitted, completing the transformation of the vehicle.
By the end of the restoration, the XK150 felt every bit like a newly handcrafted British sports car once again.
A New Car Reborn
This Jaguar XK150 restoration perfectly represents the philosophy behind Classic Car Lab.
Respecting heritage while embracing craftsmanship.
Combining traditional restoration techniques with modern engineering standards.
Delivering transparent, high-quality classic car restoration services from our Yorkshire workshop.
Projects like this require enormous dedication, patience and experience, but the final result made every hour worthwhile. From bare-metal fabrication and lead loading through to full engine rebuilding, bespoke trim and concours-quality paintwork, this XK150 became far more than a restoration — it became a rebirth of a true British motoring icon.
Looking for Jaguar Restoration Specialists in Yorkshire?
Classic Car Lab are trusted Yorkshire classic car restoration specialists offering Jaguar restoration, bare-metal resprays, fabrication, lead loading, engine rebuilding, paintwork, servicing and mechanical restoration for classic and modern classic vehicles throughout Yorkshire and the UK.
Based in Otley, Yorkshire, our experienced team undertake everything from structural welding and body restoration to concours paintwork, interior trimming, diagnostics, servicing and full nut-and-bolt classic car restorations.
Whether you own a Jaguar XK, E-Type, MG, Aston Martin, Porsche, Land Rover or any cherished classic or modern classic vehicle, Classic Car Lab combine heritage craftsmanship with modern engineering to deliver restorations trusted by enthusiasts and collectors nationwide — from Heritage to Modern.
