Lot 1058: 1959 Jaguar XK 150 Convertible

There was a time when the entire automotive world would stop in its tracks at the sight of the newest Jaguar. That was certainly true when William Lyons’ Coventry company first showed the 1949 XK120. The swooping lines were unlike anything most people had ever seen and under the long bonnet was a 3.4 liter, double overhead camshaft straight-six engine good for 160 horsepower. The name indicated that the sleek new sports car had been timed at 120 miles per hour. Independent front suspension was courtesy of torsion bars and leaf springs suspended the solid rear axle.

Immediately, the XK120 found its way onto racetracks and Jaguar developed a special equipment version of the car with 190 horsepower and a racing version called the XKC. In 1955 the car was revised and became the XK140. The 190 bhp engine was standard, as was rack-and-pinion steering. Other improvements included a longer cockpit, heavier torsion bars and slightly revised exterior trim and grille.

The final rendition of the original XK concept came with the XK150 in 1958. Running gear from the 140 was largely unchanged, although most cars were equipped with the “optional” Dunlop four-wheel disc brakes. Outside, the styling had been freshened with a wider grille and sheet metal featuring a higher beltline.

Red Jaguar convertibles are the stuff of dreams and this XK150 is a very quick and usable dream car. Fully restored in approximately 2002, it was stripped to the bare metal and refinished in its original 'Signal Red' color. At the same time, the interior was retrimmed in the original black leather and a new cloth convertible top was fitted.

When mechanically rebuilt, a 4.2 liter E-Type engine was fitted, along with an all-synchromesh four-speed gearbox with overdrive. The original matching numbers engine and transmission are on a pallet and will be made available for the new owner. Other work included the fitting of a stainless steel dual exhaust system and limited slip differential, as well as new 16-inch chrome wire wheels and tires.

A fast, lovely and very usable red open Jag, this car has a California title and current registration.