Introduced in 1957 in both fixed head coupe and drophead coupe body styles, with a roadster following in 1958, the XK150 represents the last of Jaguar’s XK-series cars. As a result, the XK150 featured numerous upgrades and changes that Jaguar’s engineers had learned from designing both the XK120 and XK140. With the XK150, Jaguar seamlessly crafted together elements of performance and luxury into a single car.

The easiest way to identify an XK150 from its predecessors is look at the changes to its body. Jaguar’s designers worked to smooth out the curvaceous and dramatic lines of the XK120 and XK140 into a more conservative and elegant design. The bonnet was both widened and lengthened, and the front grill was enlarged in an effort to allow the engine to breathe better. The XK150’s interior featured a leather-trimmed dashboard and thinner doors, which created a roomier and more luxurious ambiance. The most important mechanical introduction was the addition of four-wheel disc brakes, a first for a production car. All XK150s were fitted with a dual overhead cam straight-six with either 3.4 or 3.8 liters of displacement. The XK150 also features a single-piece curved windshield, compared to the split windshield of its predecessors.

This Jaguar Fixed Head Coupe, chassis S836887BW, was originally fitted with the 3.8-liter engine and finished in Imperial Maroon with a black leather interior. After purchasing the car in 1985, at which time it was equipped with a 3.4-liter engine, the current owner, a concours judge of the Jaguar Club of North America, undertook a two year frame-off restoration in 1990. All of the mechanical components were rebuilt, including the brakes, steering, suspension, radiator, and carburetors. Since completing the restoration, S836887BW has led a pampered life and has accumulated less than 200 miles; it is currently showing a total of 78,000 miles. More recently, the car has been cosmetically freshened with some interior work and a refinish in the original Imperial Maroon.

The XK150 is truly a car comfortable with any driving style, and it embodies Jaguar’s sales motto of the day, “Grace, Space, Pace.” S836887BW is a fantastic example of a late-model XK150 Fixed Head Coupe, representing the end of the line for production of both the XK150 and the venerable XK series of sporting Jaguars. With a full mechanical restoration under its belt, as well as a recent cosmetic refurbishing, S836887BW is ready for action and is an equipped driver and show car.

Titles as 1961.