Lot 436: 1959 Jaguar XK150S 3.4-Litre Roadster

‘The Jaguar XK150 is undeniably one of the world’s fastest and safest cars. It is quiet and exceptionally refined mechanically, docile and comfortable. As with most cars, there are a few body details which could be improved, but we do not know of any more outstanding example of value for money,’ - Autocar.
What would turn out to be the final glorious incarnation of Jaguar’s fabulous ‘XK’ series of sports cars arrived in 1957. As its nomenclature suggests, the XK150 was a progressive development of the XK120 and XK140, retaining the same basic chassis, 3.4-litre engine and four-speed Moss transmission of its predecessors while benefiting from a new, wider body that provided increased interior space and improved visibility courtesy of a single-piece wrap-around windscreen, replacing the XK140’s divided screen. Cleverly, the new body used many XK120/140 pressings, the increased width being achieved by means of a 4”-wide central fillet. A higher front wing line and broader radiator grille were other obvious differences, but the new model’s main talking point was its Dunlop disc brakes. Fade following repeated stops from high speed had been a problem of the earlier, drum-braked cars, but now the XK had stopping power to match its prodigious straight-line speed.
Introduced in the spring of 1957, the XK150 was available at first only in fixed and drophead coupé forms, the open roadster version not appearing until the following year. At 190bhp, the engine’s maximum power output was identical to that of the XK140, so performance was little changed. ‘Special Equipment’ and ‘S’ versions came with 210 and 250bhp respectively, the latter delivering an astonishing 0-60mph time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 136mph. This was achieved by the introduction of the Weslake-developed ‘straight-port’ cylinder head, high-compression pistons, triple 2” SU carburettors and twin electric fuel pumps. Overdrive and a Borg-Warner automatic gearbox were the transmission options, the latter becoming an increasingly popular choice, while a Thornton Powr-Lok limited-slip differential was available for the XK150S. Steel wheels remained the standard fitting, though XK150s so equipped are a great rarity, as most were sold in SE (Special Equipment) specification with centre-lock wire wheels. The much-admired chromed Jaguar mascot was made available as an optional extra on an XK for the first time. Only 888 XK150S 3.4-litre roadsters were made between 1958 and 1960.
This magnificent example, shown in its original body and interior colours, was in regular use until 1980, when it had covered 60,000 miles. It was then taken off the road and partially stripped for restoration. However the owner lost interest in the project, and for the next 12 years no progress was made as the car languished in a garage.
It was acquired in 1992 by the current owner, who was living in Sydney, Australia at the time. A most thorough and meticulous restoration commenced, which was completed in 1994 at a cost in excess of £100,000. Since then this car has won 12 concours awards including The Drivers Club of Australia where it won outright honours, only 0.1% being deducted for authenticity, a record for XKs. The car returned to the UK with its owner in 1995 and has travelled a little over 1,000 miles since restoration, mostly attending Jaguar or other classic car events. It has been maintained to the highest and most demanding standards.
The car comes with owner’s handbook, service manual, parts manual (copy), all bills, Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate (confirming matching numbers), MoT through 10/07, Swansea V5 and spare set of painted wire wheels shod with radial tyres.