Vehicle Description
Upon its introduction in the spring of 1957, Jaguar's latest
iteration of the XK-series got off to a slightly bumpy start.
First, the factory fire that famously destroyed the remaining XKSS
chassis also caused significant delays in the production of the new
XK150. Once the earliest XK150 models reached the hands of testers,
some complained about the car's performance feeling rather blunt.
While there were numerous mechanical improvements, including the
addition of four-wheel disc brakes, the more substantial body
caused it to be nominally slower than the outgoing XK140. Jaguar
quickly addressed the issue by adding the Special Equipment package
to the options list, which effectively became the new base model.
The package included the B-Type cylinder head and dual exhaust,
boosting performance enough to satisfy buyers and help the XK150
live up to its stylish new looks. Like the XK140 before it, Jaguar
offered the XK150 as a fixed head coupe, drophead coupe, and (from
mid-1957) open-two-seat roadster. Beyond the pure aesthetic
updates, the taller, slab-sided body allowed for a wider and
substantially more comfortable cockpit, finally addressing a
long-running complaint among XK owners. Leather and "Vynide" trim
on the dash replaced the traditional burl wood trim of earlier
models for a fresher and more modern appearance. With the initial
hurdles behind it, the XK150 sold quite well, capitalizing on its
Le Mans-winning pedigree. The success of the XK150 variants
sustained Jaguar's position the sharp end of the sports car market,
even in the face of increasing competition from America and
elsewhere, setting the stage for the XK's sensational replacement,
the E-Type, in 1961. This lovely XK150 features the versatile and
attractive Drophead Coupe coachwork and is presented with a
beautiful, well-maintained restoration and subtle updates including
a 5-speed gearbox to improve performance and drivability. The
Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate shows this car was
completed on October 22, 1958, finished in Carmen Red over a red
interior, and equipped with the 3.4-liter engine and Borg Warner
transmission. It presents today in excellent condition, wearing a
well-maintained restoration in the original shade of red over a
biscuit interior and fawn canvas top. The body and paintwork are
older, yet crisp and well-presented, displaying properly fitted
panels with even, consistent gaps. The car rides on sparkling
chrome wire wheels shod with high-performance, period-correct
Michelin X radials. The remaining brightwork on the bumpers and
body is in good order, with some fading and minor pitting evident,
but with an overall consistent appearance that suits the car's
driver-friendly nature. Inside, biscuit upholstery provides a
lovely complement to the bright red paintwork. The seats are in
excellent order, showing just the slightest creasing from use.
Carpets, door cards, and interior panels feature correct style
material, all presented in excellent condition. The instrument
panel has attractive burl maple veneer and Vynide trim, and houses
restored Smiths gauges, proper switchgear, and a period-correct
radio. With its larger, fully-lined soft top and more luxurious
trim, the drophead coupe nicely balances the opulent environment of
the fixed head coupe with the open-air excitement of the roadster.
Accompanying the sale are several items, including the tool kit,
jack, grease gun, owner's manual, and service manuals. Beneath the
bonnet sits the original 3.4-liter inline-six with numbers-matching
block and head per the heritage certificate. The twin-cam unit is
one of the most iconic engines ever produced, with its signature
polished alloy cam covers and S.U. carburetor bodies. The engine is
well detailed with a tidy, honest presentation befitting its
tour-ready quality. Highlights include excellent black-porcelain
exhaust manifolds with correct brass hardware and good quality
polish work on the alloy. As previously stated, a five-speed manual
gearbox replaces the cumbersome original Borg-Warner automatic,
drastically improving this car's performance and fun-factor.
Additionally, powerful Wilwood brake calipers on the front axle
provide a welcome upgrade for spirited motoring. Combining a
luxuriously trimmed cabin, full folding soft top, and proven
underpinnings, the XK150 is arguably the most versatile and usable
model in the entire XK series. Featuring a well-maintained
restoration and thoughtful mechanical upgrades, this example of
Jaguar's superb grand tourer is ideally suited for enthusiastic
touring, rallies, and regular enjoyment on your favorite roads.
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6651-1959-jaguar-xk150-drop-head-coupe/
