Looking at this sweet XK, FHC but is fitted with early Series 1 e-Type engine. Question is, how does it effect value.
is it really an ‘S’ anymore?…it was born an S on the heritage cert, it has the triple carbs,…what else makes it a ‘pure’ S?
Thoughts on devaluation? Identity?

 

Highest value derives (apart from condition) from 'matching numbers'. In the pre-VIN days, Chassis, Engine and Gearbox Numbers together with original paint and trim colours as listed on the original factory build sheet and reproduced by the trust as a Heritage Certificate. Original paint and trim in exceptional unrestored condition ratchets up the value. Any one of these elements missing or compromised knocks the value down in the eyes of collectors. A replacement engine would hit the value but an inappropriate replacement would make for a much bigger hit. All good negotiating points if you are looking for a good drivable XK to use and enjoy rather than one to show.

As I recall, the 150S had a modified cylinder head to benefit from the triple carbs. No longer a consideration with the E-Type engine now fitted.

Graham

 

Hi brand,
I am no XK150 expert but, I have had several friends with XK150S. With that said the engine number should start with VS____ for the 3.4L XK150S engine and VAS____ for the 3.8L XK150S engine. They both had the straight port head like the XKE, MK X/420G, 420 etc. The XK150S had a unique intake manifold, linkage and carburetors (SU HD8 I believe). similar to the very early XKE's. The head was also painted "Old Gold" (i would call it pumpkin) like the early XKE's. The XK150S engine would be similar to the very early XKE 3.8L engine, no rear main rope seal, a scroll machined into the crank to help keep the oil from leaking out the back of the block.

Does the car you are looking at still have the original head with the engine number stamped in it?
Does it have the original carbs?
Does it have the original generator?
Does it have the original starter?
Does it have the corrugated crankcase breather tube?
Does it have the XK150S distributor?

The thing is the engine is what makes the XK150 a XK150S and you need to decide how close this car is to the original XK150S's engine. i.e. what was carried over to the XKE block.

I hope this helps.