3,442 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine with dual SU carburetors, four-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension with wishbones, coil springs, torsion bars and anti-roll bar, rigid rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 102"

• 3.4-liter engine, four-wheel disc brakes

• A long-term California car

First introduced in the fall of 1957, Jaguar’s sporting XK150 was intended to compete against the BMW 507 and Mercedes-Benz 300SL. As the third and final evolution of its series, it also represented the best and most highly developed XK ever built. Although similar in overall design to its predecessors, styling revisions included the replacement of the traditional cut-down doors with a higher and more subtle beltline. The front aspect was changed by widening the grille, the two-piece windshield was modified to a more contemporary curved, one-piece version, and the Open Two Seater (Roadster) now benefited from the addition of roll-up side windows.

The strong performance of the XK range was continually increasing during its evolution and highlighted the need for a matching technical breakthrough in braking. Since Jaguar’s successes at Le Mans were attributed in no small part to the introduction of disc brakes on its racing C- and D-Types, the adage “racing improves the breed” was never more appropriate than with the XK150, which remains famous as the first production car to feature power-assisted disc brakes at all four corners.

With long-term Southern California ownership, the example offered here from 1958 is quite rare as one of only 1,297 3.4-liter roadsters built. The engine number stamped on the firewall data tag matches the stampings on the engine. A lovely car throughout, the XK150 has an older red finish with black upholstery and newly fitted carpeting. While the wheels are currently pictured in red, they were recently refinished in black. A recent inspection by RM Auctions confirms that the Jaguar runs and drives nicely, with the engine and brakes working well and the car handling nicely. It is complete with a spare tire, service manual, parts book and a selection of miscellaneous parts.