Vehicle Description
Jaguar unveiled the XK150 in 1957 as a heavily reworked and updated
replacement for the XK140. By that time, the XK chassis was
starting to show its age in the face of competition, but Jaguar was
at least listening to their customer feedback and made a number of
improvements to the handling, comfort and refinement of the XK.
Most notably, the svelte and curvaceous body was redesigned with
more slab sides, a wider, longer hood and a larger cockpit. The
split windscreen gave way to a new one-piece curved �screen and all
models, including the roadster offered proper roll-up windows. Of
the three evolutions of the XK-series, the XK150 is far and away
the roomies and most comfortable thanks to those thinner doors and
longer cockpit. Initially, the 150 was a bit slower than the 140
thanks to the additional bulk from the new body. As with previous
XK models, the 150 was available in three body styles: An Open Two
Seat roadster, more luxurious open Drop Head Coupe (with a larger,
lined roof) and the hardtop Fixed Head Coupe, which offered a pair
of vestigial rear seats; an arrangement best suited for overnight
bags rather than passengers. In spite of the early criticisms, the
XK150 was still a formidable performance car, and Jaguar quickly
rectified the initial speed deficit with the addition of the 210
horsepower 3.4 liter Special Equipment option. Four wheel disc
brakes which had been proven in competition on the C-Type and
D-Type racers were also fitted and the XK140's rack-and-pinion
steering was tuned for even better feel. For buyers who wanted even
more power than the SE had to offer, the ultimate "S" package
included a trio of 2" bore S.U. HD8 carburetors and a straight-port
cylinder head derived from the C-Type. Output was a full 250
horsepower, a number that proved highly effective at silencing the
critics. The Motor tested one such 3.4-liter XK150S wearing
fixed-head coupe bodywork, going on to declare it the fastest
closed car they had ever subjected to a full road test. The
engineers and designers at Brown's Lane continued to refine the XK
breed through 1960 when focus was then shifted to the XK's
ground-breaking successor, the E-Type. The seductive lines of the
XK120 and stonking performance of the ground-breaking E-Type can
sometimes overshadow the XK150, but many enthusiasts know it to be
one of the finest driving and best built of the breed. This
excellent 1960 XK150 S Fixed Head Coupe is a wonderful example of
the final iteration of the legendary XK-series. This is a genuine,
S-specification car with a numbers-matching drivetrain that was the
subject of a comprehensive, highly-detailed, nut-and-bolt
restoration approximately 10 years ago. It remains in beautiful
condition today, having aged nicely with light use and regular
maintenance. It is finished in the classic combination British
Racing Green over tan leather. Green painted wire wheels shod with
blackwall radial tires give a distinctive and decidedly sporting
appearance. A former 99 point JCNA show car, paint quality is
excellent and the panels are exceptionally straight with excellent
fit and gaps. Like the paintwork, the chrome exterior trim remains
in very good order since the restoration was completed. Correct
original badges proudly proclaim Jaguar's success at LeMans. The
interior is trimmed in correct materials and in factory correct
colors, and it presents in attractive condition, remaining inviting
and warm, showing just a the slightest bit of mellowing since the
restoration. Tan Wilton carpets are in excellent order, properly
fitted to original specification. For the XK150 coupe, Jaguar took
a more sporting approach and eschewed the heavy walnut trim for the
dash and door caps in favor of a simple leather trimmed fascia and
door cards. Excellent restored Smiths instruments adorn the central
panel and the original, factory correct switchgear all remain in
excellent order. The 3.4 liter version of the legendary XK twin-cam
inline-six cylinder is a particularly sweet unit when matched with
the trio of 2-inch S.U. carburetors and the high-flow head that
makes up the "S" specification. Revvy and eager, it emits a
glorious noise through the twin-exhausts. As with the rest of the
car, the engine presents very well with proper fittings and
hardware. The signature polished alloy cam covers and intake
manifold are in beautiful order, and the cylinder head, ancillaries
and underhood panels are all finished to correct factory standards.
The engine is mated to a four-speed manual gearbox with optional
electric overdrive, as original. Thanks to that four-speed
overdrive unit, 250 horsepower output, and a roomy, comfortable
cabin, this XK150 S is a staggeringly good grand touring car. When
this particular example was restored, it was done so with a careful
eye toward JCNA judging sheets, and it proved its mettle with a
99-point score. Since its days as a hardcore show car, it has since
been thoroughly enjoyed yet exceptionally well maintained. It
remains a beautiful looker and completely showable, yet is ideally
suited for enjoyment on the road. The XK150 S is the ultimate
evolution of the XK-series and with its classic lines, refined
quality and outstanding performance; is the preferred choice among
driving enthusiasts.
