Lot 113: 1959 Jaguar XK150S Fixedhead 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 XK150S is claimed to be an original home market and therefore RHD coupe with all matching numbers intact and was built at the Browns Lane factory in May 1960. The 2-door fixed head, in silver with red interior, also has a correct, for the 150S, the 3.8-litre capacity 6-cylinder engine which is claimed to have produced 250bhp ex-factory and the manual 4-speed transmission with benefit of overdrive and is described by the vendor as being an excellent original car in every respect. A comprehensive history file contains both old style buff and green logbooks, an XK Register Certificate confirming manufacturing details, the current V5, some previous MoT's as well as a current certificate valid until 22 May of next year. 1960 dating qualifies this vehicle for a tax-free annual disc. Sitting atop whire wheels and owned by the previous owner for 20 years, this represents a highly original example of this rare S-spec Jaguar.