Vehicle Description
When Jaguar unveiled the XK150 in 1957, it marked the most
significant evolution of the legendary XK series since the XK120
first appeared in 1948. In mechanical terms, the new 150 was very
similar to the outgoing 140, with independent front suspension,
Salisbury rear axle, and rack and pinion steering. New for the 150,
however, was the fitment of Dunlop four-wheel disc brakes, which
had been pioneered by the C-Type and perfected on the D-Type at Le
Mans. The most significant changes were to the styling, with a
taller and wider body to allow for a roomier cockpit and give a
fresh look heading into the 1960s. In keeping with tradition, the
XK150 was available as an open two-seat roadster, drophead coupe or
closed fixed-head coupe. Power continued to come from the 3.4-liter
version of the XK twin-cam inline six, fitted with twin S.U.
carburetors in standard form. At first, it seemed that the XK150
got off to a rough start. A factory fire in February 1957 delayed
production and the marginally heavier coachwork made the standard
models slightly slower than the XK140, thereby disappointing
buyers. However, Jaguar quickly responded by adding the Special
Equipment package which added twenty horsepower to the base model.
That was followed by the optional "S" package of 1958, with a trio
of 2-inch SU carbs and a straight-port cylinder head to bump output
to a very healthy 250 horsepower. Only the last of the line
3.8-liter S would make more power. Buyers responded well to the
modernized styling, as well as the improved comfort and
performance, particularly from the S.E. and S models. Sales were up
slightly over the XK140. Ultimately, the XK150 proved to be an
excellent swansong to the legendary XK line, setting the stage for
the arrival of Jaguar's next sensational sports car, the E-Type. We
are delighted to offer this truly outstanding, freshly restored
1958 Jaguar XK150 S OTS roadster. This Jaguar is a documented,
factory built XK150 S, first delivered via a dealer in Atlanta,
Georgia. It is finished as original in white over a red interior
and black hood and highly optioned from new in "S" specification
which included triple SU carburetors and a specially-developed
cylinder head. Backing the 3.4-liter engine was a four-speed manual
gearbox with Laycock de Normanville overdrive. Standard equipment
included leather trim, Smiths heater, chrome wire wheels, and new
for the OTS, roll-up side windows (replacing the XK120 and 140's
removable side curtains). The first owner was Robert West of
Athens, Georgia. Early in the car's life, someone (believed to be
Mr. West) drove the XK150 from Georgia to Detroit, Michigan. While
in Detroit, the original engine was damaged, and the car
subsequently parked up in a gas station. The second owner acquired
the Jaguar in the early 1970s, putting it in his garage in hopes of
returning it to the road. It seems that never happened, as in the
early 2000s, this car was discovered, still in remarkably original
and unrestored condition, by brothers Gary and Jim Kakuska of JK
Restorations in Oswego, IL. Gary and Jim are highly respected
Jaguar specialists, and they bought the car with the idea of
restoring it for themselves, but ultimately sold it to one of their
best clients who then entrusted them with the comprehensive
nut-and-bolt restoration. As they began disassembly, Gary and Jim
noted that the car showed approximately 2,000 miles on the
odometer. Closer inspection of the body, interior, and drivetrain
revealed this was very likely the original mileage as the car was
found to be remarkably intact beneath the years of dust that had
accumulated while in storage. As a result, JK was able to restore
and reuse a tremendous amount of the original components and
fittings. The restoration was completed in approximately 2015, and
it presents in stunning condition in crisp white over red,
displaying outstanding body fit and alignment. Remarkably, it is
reported that every panel on the car is original, with only some
very minor repairs required to correct some light corrosion. Paint
quality is exquisite as well, and the car sits on beautiful chrome
Dunlop wire wheels with blackwall Vredestein radial tires. The
bumpers, lights, grille, and trim are original to this car and
restored to a high standard. The cockpit has been refurbished to
the same specification as it was first delivered; with red Connolly
hides and matching Wilton wool carpets, all presented in beautiful
condition. The leather seats remain taut and show virtually no use
since being restored. The factory switchgear and instruments were
painstakingly rebuilt to retain originality. Black Haartz canvas is
fitted to the top as per factory spec, and the boot has been
refurbished with correct Hardura lining. The factory-supplied jack,
grease gun, ratcheting jack handle, and toolkit is included. JK
Restorations meticulously rebuilt every component of this car,
making subtle improvements when necessary in the name of longevity
and reliability. A 3.8-liter block replaces the original 3.4-liter
unit, topped with the original cylinder head and triple-SU carb
setup. The engine is backed with a modern, all-synchro 5-speed
Tremec gearbox. The original rear differential was rebuilt with new
clutch packs and the factory 4.09:1 ratio retained, so the car's
road manners remain very authentic while allowing for effortless
shifting and proven reliability. It should be noted that the
original, matching-numbers block, gearbox, and overdrive unit are
available (and said to be easily repairable) and will be included
in the sale. Brake calipers and cylinders were fully restored and
sleeved in stainless to prevent corrosion. The Kakuskas
painstakingly restored the electrical system, retaining the
original major components while updating some items such as LED
tail lights and a roller bearing distributor. The undercarriage is
a finely detailed as the engine bay, revealing the level of care
that went into this project. With its meticulous restoration by
highly respected marque experts, this is a genuinely exquisite
XK150 S in highly desirable original specification. A host of
carefully judged and executed improvements make it ideally suited
for regular enjoyment on tours and rallies while remaining
beautiful enough for the show field.
