Lot 120: 1958 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupe

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 carburettors. Fine roadholding 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. It boasted a number of significant changes over the similar looking, outgoing XK140 model. Easily identifiable by its higher scuttle and door line, and a much wider grille, the XK150 retained the mechanical lay-out of its predecessor; however, it marked a Jaguar first in having all-round disc brakes, Jaguar had been amongst the first to experiment with these in association with Dunlop in 1951, an asset with 0-60mph in just 7.5 seconds. This XK150 is the desirable Drop Head Coupe model, produced in 1958 and finished in Old English White with Biscuit interior. KSK 318 was originally delivered as a Left Hand Drive car but during its full rebuild in the early 1990's it was converted to Right Hand Drive, with bills totalling 49,000. The car is described by the vendor to be in very good condition, due in part to the car being stored in a climate controlled environment since restoration. This car is ready to provide its lucky new owner with hours of effortless, high speed European touring in the coming summer months.