Lot 102

London 2015

1958 Jaguar XK150 3.8 Drophead Coupé

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£61,600 GBP | Sold

United Kingdom | London, United Kingdom

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Chassis No.
S 837926
Engine No.
VA 1788-8
Body No.
P 7199
Documents
UK V5
  • Upgraded to 3.8-litre power; an ideal touring car
  • Restored by Jaguar specialists in its original colour combination
  • Documented by its JDHT Heritage Certificate

220 bhp, 3,781 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine with dual SU carburettors, four-speed close-ratio manual transmission with electric overdrive, independent front suspension with wishbones and a torsion bar, live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,590 mm

With its introduction in mid-1957, the XK150 became Jaguar’s response to the growing US demand for more comfortable and refined sports cars. The model was initially offered in fixed head and drophead versions, but a roadster arrived 10 months later, in March 1958. As the final iteration of Jaguar’s XK series, the XK150 featured higher front wings, a wider grille, a curved one-piece windshield, and perhaps most significant, Dunlop disc brakes on all four wheels.

The low-cut door lines of the XK120 and -140 were discarded for a more conservative shape, whilst the basic XK chassis remained, albeit with an upgraded 3.4-litre twin-cam six as standard equipment. Only the boot lid was shared with the previous XK140. Inside, all models received a padded dash top, softer and wider seats, and a windscreen that wrapped around the cockpit. Perhaps most unique is the boot badge worn by all XK150s, boldly reminding everyone of Jaguar’s 1951, 1953, and 1955–1957 victories at Le Mans.

Although a bit heavier than its predecessors, the car remained a capable performer. To accomplish this, Jaguar made available in late 1959 a larger 3.8-litre motor with twin SU HD8 carburettors, producing 220 horsepower as opposed to the standard model’s 3.4-litre, which afforded 210 horsepower. Contemporary road tests quoted 0–60 mph at 8.3 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 16.7 seconds at 82 mph, and a top speed of a comfortable 126 mph.

The XK150 proved to be the most popular XK of all, with nearly 7,929 units built from 1957 through to the end of production in the 1960 calendar year, of which a total of 2,672 were Drophead Coupés.

The Drophead Coupé offered here was originally delivered in New England, in the USA, and was re-imported to Europe some 30 years ago. In the early 1990s, it was lovingly restored by the well-known British XK specialists at RWHS Jaguars, who were careful to not destroy its wonderful and authentic classic aura. The car features an overdrive transmission and four-wheel disc brakes, making it suitable for both extended cruising and sparkling motorway performance. Its upgraded 3.8-litre engine boasts excellent performance, whilst the bodywork and interior have been restored in the original colour combination from 1958: Black with a Tan interior, a Sand top, and optional beechwood interior trim. The bonnet retains its original number stamp, an indication of the originality of the body.

This is a handsome XK150—ideal for continued enjoyment and touring and accompanied by a comprehensive file of historical documents.