To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Fort Lauderdale event, 29
- 30 March 2019.
Estimate:
$275,000 - $325,000
- Period-correct block with numbers-matching gearbox
- Frame-off restoration by marque experts
- Fitted with desirable Halda Trip Master
- Rare and outstanding Jaguar, one of just 14 built to this
specification
Introduced in 1957, the XK150 presented a plethora of changes from
lessons learned by Jaguar's engineers who made the XK120 and XK140
models. Jaguar offered its new car as a fixed-head coupe and
drophead coupe when production began, but the most desirable body
style, the roadster, would not enter production until 1958. By the
time the XK150 hit showroom floors, it was clear that Jaguar had a
fantastic automobile on its hands, one that was full of British
charm and sophistication.
The darling of the XK150 line was undoubtedly the 3.8 S Roadster.
Powered by a 3.8-litre version of Jaguar's dual-overhead camshaft
straight-six, this engine put out a remarkable 265 hp, which
powered the Roadster to a top speed of over 135 mph. Jaguar also
fitted it with four-wheel disc brakes, a first for any production
car, ensuring that any driver could quickly bring the most powerful
iteration of the XK150 to a stop. Equipped as such, these were
undoubtedly fantastic cars to drive with the top down through the
English countryside.
This extremely rare Jaguar 3.8 S roadster was built on 19 July
1960. A left-hand-drive example, it received a four-speed manual
transmission with overdrive and was finished in Cornish Grey with
red leather interior and a black soft top. The car was then sent to
the Jaguar Distributor in Beirut, Lebanon. No early ownership
records exist but the car was found in 1993 in Houston, Texas. In
as-found condition, the car was then sold to Jaguar specialists
Michael Grob of Berlin, Germany. This well-respected firm completed
the no-expense-spared restoration in January 1995. Speaking to the
quality of the restoration, the car still wears the same paint,
interior, and top installed by Grob and shows a lovely patina which
belies its sparing use. The car has covered just under 7,000 km
since restoration and remains in excellent condition to this
day.
Accompanying the car is a comprehensive history file that documents
the exacting restoration with extensive photo documentation of the
high-quality work which was completed. Also included is a Jaguar
Operations, Maintenance, and Service Handbook and a copy of the
Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, which confirms the car's
original specifications. This XK 150 runs and drives like new and
would be a great candidate for touring.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/fl19.
