Vehicle Description
For many years, the Jaguar XK150 lived somewhat in the shadow of
its older sibling, the XK120. After all, the XK120 established
Jaguar's credibility in the United States and was elemental to the
sports car boom of the late 1940s. But as much as collectors and
enthusiasts have celebrated the XK120, the XK150 was always the
thinking person's choice, quietly offering superior comfort,
braking, handling, and refinement. As the final evolution of the XK
range, the 150 is the most usable and best developed, offering
four-wheel disc brakes, telescopic dampers, and rack-and-pinion
steering. For the majority of XK150 production, the 3.4-litre
engine (shared with the XK140 M) was the standard fitment. However,
the final batch of cars featured the larger and more powerful
3.8-litre engine developed for the upcoming E-Type. Today, the
XK150 has emerged as a standout collector car, offering a distinct
combination of superlative performance and elegance that make it
unmistakably a Jaguar. Offered here is a splendid XK150 with the
versatile and lovely drophead coupe body, and the rare, highly
desirable 3.8-litre engine. According to the accompanying Jaguar
Daimler Heritage Trust certificate, this car was produced in
February 1960 and dispatched for Jaguar Cars, New York, about a
month later. The factory build records show this is a genuine
3.8-litre car equipped with the extremely rare optional Borg-Warner
automatic gearbox. Originally finished in cream over blue trim, it
was the recipient of a comprehensive restoration and is now
finished in a striking combination of Carmen Red with black
upholstery and hood. The older restoration is well-maintained and
has mellowed gently, giving the car an appealing character that
invites regular use. The red paintwork is in excellent order all
around, with good detailing and finish quality. The brightwork and
body fittings are in similarly good condition, and exterior details
include correct Lucas headlights and fog lamps, chrome exhaust
tips, and beautiful chrome wire wheels fitted with period-correct
Pirelli Cinturato tires that provide the proper stance and handling
characteristics. The primary appeal of the XK150 is that it offers
considerably more space and comfort compared to its older brethren,
making it the ideal choice for drivers. This example features a
pleasingly well-restored cabin, trimmed in the proper materials,
including leather seats, wool carpets, and vinyl coverings on the
door panels and dash. The seats display a bit of light creasing
consistent with regular use, while some minor wear is noted on the
driver's outer bolster. Greeting the pilot is a factory-correct
four-spoke steering wheel and an array of Smiths instruments in the
central fascia, which is correctly trimmed in gray vinyl. For the
first time in an XK sports car, there was no wood trim offered
across the range. Jaguar employed an unusual but creative solution
for the gear selector, mounting it horizontally on the dash, just
below the gauges. The black canvas soft fits well and is insulated
and lined with a broadcloth headliner to reduce noise, and includes
a matching canvas boot cover. A period-correct tool kit accompanies
the sale. Per the Heritage Certificate, the original
numbers-matching 3.8-litre inline-six remains in its rightful place
under the bonnet. The engine displays a slight patina from age and
use, yet it is quite tidy, properly-detailed, and attractive -
dressed in its signature polished alloy cam covers and twin SU
carburetors. It runs well, with the smoothness and ample low-end
torque that defines Jaguar's legendary big 'six. With its powerful
3.8-litre engine and rarely-seen automatic gearbox, this XK150
falls firmly onthe Grand Touringside of the XK-series scale,
providing its occupants with relaxed, easy-going performance with
all of the style and character that enthusiasts expect from these
iconic Jaguars. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6761-1960-jaguar-xk150-3-8-drophead/