Lot 447: 1958 Jaguar XK150 Roadster Lefthand drive 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. 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. This roadster is described as being immaculate in every respect. Originally an American car, it was delivered to Mr B Woodruff in Phoenix, Arizona in March 1958. Chassis no. 9 was then imported to the UK in 2001 when it underwent a meticulous restoration with James Sidwell (ex Leaping Cats) working on the panelling, XK Engineering attending to the paintwork, The Trim Centre (trained by Suffolk and Turley) on the trim and Keith Fell (the XK club touring mechanic), on the engine with the result that this is a car in perfect but still authentic, condition. The car is complete with MoT and Road Fund licence until September 2006, a comprehensive history file including bills totalling over 35,000, V5C registration documents, Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Trace Certificate, and still , amazingly, its original handbook.