Vehicle Description
In 1957, Jaguar released the final and most advanced version of the
XK-series of sports cars. The XK150 featured the most significant
changes made since the XK120 appeared in 1949. The chassis 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,
pioneered by C-Type and perfected on the D-Type at Le Mans. The
standard engine was the 3.4-liter version of the XK twin-cam inline
six, however for the final year of production in 1960, it was
bumped to 3.8-liters and 220 horsepower in standard form, or 265
horsepower with the optional "S" package. Outwardly, the XK150 was
drastically different from its earlier counterparts. The body was
taller and wider 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. Buyers responded well to the updated,
modernized styling, as well as the improved comfort and drivability
and sales were up slightly over the XK140. Ultimately, the XK150
proved to be an excellent swansong to the legendary XK line, and it
set the stage for the arrival of Jaguar's next sensational sports
car, the E-Type. This striking XK150 3.8 Fixed Head Coupe is a late
production model with many desirable options and features. It has
had just a handful of long-term owners and it wears a high-quality
and extremely well-maintained restoration that was finished in the
early 1990s. The included Jaguar Heritage Certificate shows this
150 was delivered new on December 16, 1960, to Lt. Col. J W Regan.
Finished in the very rare color combination of black on black, this
car was specified with the 3.8-liter engine mated to a four-speed
manual gearbox with overdrive. Other options include the Special
Equipment package and a fabric Webasto-type sunroof which is a very
rare option on the fixed head coupe. The original Periodic
Maintenance Voucher booklet was first stamped in March of 1961 by
Imperial Motors, Inc. of Wilmette, Illinois at 508 miles. Regular
servicing continued through 1971 with the last stamp coming at
36,381 miles. It is believed that the car traveled with Lt. Col.
Regan, from Illinois to New York where it was serviced by
specialist George Haug Co. as late as 1966. It appears the car then
traveled to England, where Murkett Bros. Ltd of Huntingdon
maintained it, and finally by S.V. Robinson's Garage of Kimbolton
in 1971. By 1974, this XK150 was back in the 'States and in the
hands of Michael Lee Bowman of Greenville, NC. An old title shows
the Jaguar was traded or sold by Bowman to Cy Kay Motors of
Illinois in 1983. By 1984 it had found its next long-term owner,
Dr. Jim Owen of Dothan Alabama who would take exceptional care of
the Jaguar for the next 30-plus years. An extensive collection of
receipts for parts and service work in Owen's name is included in
the file, culminating with a comprehensive and high-quality
restoration performed in the early 1990s. The body-off restoration
is documented with photos and receipts, revealing the care and
detail that went into returning this car to beautiful,
better-than-new condition in its original black on black livery. As
part of the project, the engine, gearbox, and overdrive were
shipped to XK's Unlimited for a full rebuild and the chassis was
fully detailed to show-quality standards. While the restoration is
now more than 25 years old, it has been lovingly maintained and
presents in very fine condition from top to bottom. The body is
quite straight and the black paint remarkably good, with deep gloss
and only a couple of very minute touchups and flaws visible upon
close inspection. The brightwork all presents very well, with just
some slight crazing apparent on some minor pieces, but otherwise
appearing in very good condition. The rare original color
combination is complemented by a set of black wire wheels wrapped
in black wall Blockley tires which lend the car a purposeful and
aggressive appearance, punctuated with original amber-lens Lucas
auxiliary lights. Like the body, the interior has aged remarkably
well. Black leather seats are in excellent condition, and the
upholstery remains supple. Chrome lift-latch seatbelts were added,
while the rest of the cabin remains correct and true to original,
down to the Perspex sun visors. Correct Wilton wool carpets are
used throughout, and the vestigial rear seats appear unused. The
headlining is trimmed in gray fabric, which carries over on the
fully-lined Webasto sunroof. Correct black and gray leather cover
the instrument panel, which houses original gauges and switchgear.
The original tool roll, hammer, jack, and grease gun are in place
in the boot. Also included are an original handbook and the
seldom-seen service coupon booklet. Photos show the engine and
chassis were fully detailed to show-quality standards before
fitting the body. The car appears to have seen light use and
remains in outstanding condition, with the original,
numbers-matching engine and cylinder head are appropriately
detailed. It is dressed with the correct air intake, glass washer
bottle, hardware, and finishes. The chassis was updated with Spax
adjustable shocks and stainless steel brakes to ensure long-term
reliability and improved handling. In March 2018, the engine
received a top-end overhaul by Jaguar experts Coventry West of
Lithonia, Georgia, which included new inlet valves, a top-end
reseal, and carburetor servicing. The XK150 is a luxurious and
practical GT car with unmistakable styling and presence. This car's
powerful 3.8-liter engine and overdrive gearbox make for effortless
cruising, and the large sunroof allows for an open-air experience
with the reassurance of all-weather capability. With numerous rare
and desirable options and a beautifully maintained restoration,
this XK is ideally suited for any number of classic car rallies,
tours, and events worldwide and is sure to delight its next keeper.