Jaguar’s new XK150 Fixed Head Coupe premiered alongside the drophead variant in 1957 as the last of Jaguar’s XK-series cars. As the swansong of the series, the XK150 featured upgrades and changes that engineers had adapted from both the XK120 and XK140. Many believe that the XK150, especially the FHC, was the most livable of the three models.

Distinguishing an XK150 from its predecessors is simple, as the designers worked to mold the XK150’s body into a more conservative and subtle shape. The XK140’s sensual lines were smoothed out, and Jaguar widened the car’s bonnet, enlarged the front grille, and fitted a single-piece curved windshield, which all added to its elegant appearance. On the inside, the door panels were made slightly thinner, which helped to increase the interior shape, and a leather dashboard replaced the walnut unit that was found in the XK120 and XK140.

Mechanically, the XK150 benefitted from the addition of four-wheel disc brakes; this was the first time that such a feature was ever fitted to a production car. In the case of the fixed head coupe, these changes certainly made for a wonderful grand touring car, as they created something that was just as exciting to look at as it was to drive over extended distances.

The Fixed Head Coupe offered here is documented by its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Certificate, a copy of which is on file, as having been sold new on October 18, 1957, to Charles Berryessa, of Mountain View, California. It was built with the 3.4-liter engine and four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive and was originally finished in traditional British Racing Green with a tan interior. The car was acquired directly from the Berryessa family by its present owner, and it has had only two caretakers from new. It remains wonderfully original, extending to its original factory paint, interior, and complete matching-numbers drivetrain, and all of its features are lovingly patinated, with just enough wear to add character. Overall, the car would still present beautifully at a local show, as its present owner has sorted it carefully and it runs and drives well, with just 72,748 original miles on its odometer.

Most Jaguar XK150s are beautiful concours queens or worn-down drivers. In between is this wonderful, well-preserved survivor, which is just as suitable for display at Jaguar concours, where its original details are sure to be a hit, as it is for simply driving on a wide-open highway.