Lot 256: 1958 Jaguar XK150 Roadster

At the 1948 London Motor Show Jaguar had virtually thrown the sports car world into turmoil with its stunning XK120; the combination of style, speed, an outstanding chassis and a remarkably low price was unbeatable, and without doubt the XK120 was an absolute milestone for both Jaguar and the motor industry as a whole. At the heart of the William Lyons styled 120mph roadster was Jaguar's all new 3.4 litre, twin overhead camshaft, straight six engine producing 160bhp via twin SU carburetors. Fine road holding was ensured by independent torsion bar/wishbone front suspension with semi-elliptic rear springs and all round drum brakes. Succeeding the XK120 was the XK140, launched at the 1954 London show. Visually similar but with reshaped radiator grille with fewer, larger slats, and 2+2 seating, it remained mechanically the same though with suspension improved from lessons learnt on the race track, while now with 190bhp top speed rose to 110mph - or 129mph with optional overdrive and 210bhp Special Equipment engine. The final rendition of the XK appeared in May 1957. Easily identifiable by its higher scuttle and door line, and a much wider grille, the XK150 retained the mechanical lay-out of its predecessor; in 210bhp XK150 'S' form, however, it marked a Jaguar first in having all-round disc brakes, an asset with 0-60mph in just 7.5 seconds.The XK 150 Roadster on offer today was first registered in the US on 31st March 1958. As so many of this type it found its way back to Europe, in this case to Germany in 1996. A two year, no expense spared restoration by specialist Brandes & Dtschow was completed in 1998. The current vendor bought the car after the finished restoration and has since enjoyed it as his summer and special events vehicle. This dark blue beauty fitted with the optional wire wheels is registered in Germany with the appropriate reg. no. ST - XK 150 and is ready for touring or rallying by its next owner.Cette Jaguar fut immatriculée pour la premire fois aux Etats- Unis le 31 mars 1958. Comme beaucoup d'autre Jaguar, elle est revenue en Europe, dans ce cas précis, en Allemagne en 1996. Elle fut restaurée par Brandes & Duetschow pendant deux ans. L'actuel propritaire l'acheta apres sa restoration en 1998, et l'utilisa durant l'été et certains évnements de voiture. De couleur bleu nuit, elle est immatriculée en Allemagne avec le numéro d'immatriculation ST- XK 150