Lot 490: 1959 Jaguar XK150S 3.4-Liter Roadster

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-liter 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 divided screen. 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. ‘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. Overdrive and a Borg-Warner automatic gearbox were the transmission options. Only 888 XK150S 3.4-liter roadsters were made between 1958 and 1960.

Surely the ultimate XK ‘time machine,’ this gorgeous, original XK150S has covered a mere 39,000 miles from new and has received 96+ JCNA Preservation Class points in several appearances. Matching numbered throughout and effectively unrestored, it nevertheless benefits from a $37,500 total engine and drive train rebuild recently completed, as well as new suspension and brakes. This XK has been driven only 2,000 miles in the past nine years and is extremely well documented. The accompanying comprehensive records document its history, while the archive report names the first owner and shows that the XK was custom ordered from Jaguar Cars in England. A desirable manual/overdrive transmission model finished in Sherwood Green with green (suede) hide upholstery, the car is currently being fitted with the factory-optional green leather fitted luggage. It also comes with the original spare parts box complete with all large and small tools and spares. To original factory specification and just plain glorious, this XK drives superbly and is in as near-perfect condition as a 48 years old Jaguar could possibly be. Offered with Certificate of Title.