Chassis no. S388668DN

Engine no. VA1572-8

Body no. P-8180

3,781-cc., 220-hp DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission with electric overdrive, torsion bar independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 102-inches

Jaguar’s XK 120 was an instant hit at its 1948 Earl’s Court introduction. Modern and powerful, it developed an immediate following, both as a road car and on the race course. As time went on, however, its competition was catching up, so some updates were initiated. A handsome Fixed-Head coupe was added to the line in 1951, and a Drophead coupe, actually a convertible with roll-up side windows, was introduced in 1953.

For 1955, the chassis was redesigned, with larger torsion bars and rack-and-pinion steering. The engine was given higher-lift camshafts, which raised horsepower to 190. The car was re-designated XK 140 and an XK 140MC variant with the cylinder head from the C-Type Jag boasted 210-hp.

The final iteration of the original XK arrived in 1958, with the XK 150. Significantly restyled, the cars now had a higher beltline, with virtually no dip ahead of the rear fender. The windshield was a one-piece curved affair, and the grille was widened. For the first time, four-wheel disc brakes were available and fitted to most cars. A Special Equipment model, with dual exhausts and the “B” type cylinder head with larger valves, delivered 210-hp. For 1960, the 3,781-cc engine from the Mark IX saloon became available. With SE equipment, as in this car, it made 220-hp. In mid-1961, the all-new E-Type, sold as XK-E in North America, was introduced and the XK 150 was quietly phased out.

With a proper and very high-quality restoration performed by Jaguar professionals with virtually no expense spared, this 3.8-liter XK 150 Drophead Coupe impresses on sight. The body received a bare-metal refinish in British Racing Green, with carefully fitted panels handsomely complemented by a black convertible top and show-quality restored brightwork. The interior is done in subtle Suede green leather. The engine, gearbox, drivetrain and all systems were thoroughly rebuilt. In addition to the desirable 3.8-liter engine and four-speed gearbox with Laycock de Normanville overdrive, this original “SE” (Special Equipment) model is equipped with dual fog lamps, five chrome wire wheels with period-style Dunlop Roadspeed RS5 tires, dual-exhaust system and a fully-equipped trunk compartment fitted with a jack and tools.

Completed on February 15, 1960, it was shipped to Jaguar of Eastern Canada, although the first owner is not recorded. With only test mileage currently indicated, this rare 3.8-liter XK 150 is complete with a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Certificate and is an outstanding example worthy of close inspection.