Vehicle Description
Introduced in May 1957, the new XK150 built on Jaguar's rich
heritage including the XK120 and XK140 before it, marking the third
and final evolution of the brilliant XK-series sports cars from
Jaguar. While continuing to use a shortened Mark V chassis and
bearing a strong resemblance to its predecessors, the XK150 was
slightly wider and featured cleaner styling with a higher and more
subtle beltline replacing the trendy cut-down doors of the XK120
and XK140. A wider grille element improved engine cooling and a
modern one-piece curved windscreen provided improved forward
visibility. At launch, the XK150 was available in both Fixed Head
and Drophead Coupe body styles, with the Open Two-Seater (Roadster)
following them to market by March 1958.
From the start, Jaguar applied the lessons gained from competition
to its sporting road cars, which steadily grew in performance and
sophistication. A clear case of racing improving the breed, the
XK150 was Jaguar's first road model equipped with Dunlop four-wheel
disc brakes, which played a key role in the company's second Le
Mans victory with the C-Type in 1953. Until late 1959, Jaguar's
already-legendary XK DOHC inline 'six' powered the XK150 in
3.4-liter form with a stout 190-bhp rating. Toward the end of XK150
production, the 3.8-litre engine was introduced and, today, these
rare variants are the most desirable to collectors.
While the XK150 was designed strictly as a fast, GT-oriented road
car, a few committed privateers campaigned it to good effect,
including the GT-class win at the 1960 Tulip Rally and Walt
Hansgen's creditable third-place podium at Bridgehampton in June
1960.
Bearing Chassis Number S838726DN, this original left-hand drive
XK150 Drophead Coupe (DHC) was built on February 26, 1960, and
dispatched on March 11, 1960, to America via Jaguar Cars, New York
to its first owner Mr. C. Wallace. Beautifully finished in silver
paint, black leather upholstery, and a black Haartz cloth
convertible top, this XK150 retains the original body and original,
matching numbers 3.8L DOHC 'XK' engine with dual SU carburetors. In
addition to its intrinsic desirability, this 1960 Jaguar XK150 is
quite rare according to marque experts as one of just 591 3.8 litre
examples produced in 1960 with the Drophead Coupe body style, 443
of which - including this XK150 - were original Export models.
In 2006, it was acquired by the Jaguar restoration specialists
Classic Showcase who performed the restoration.The Drophead Coupe
was then acquired by esteemed collector Paul Petrovich and it
quickly became a favorite to drive in his collection. In 2018, the
Jaguar was fully repainted, and much of the chrome was renewed,
with mechanical tuning performed by Sacramento-area British car
specialist Dan Kelly. That year, the owner was honored to be
invited to participate in the Pebble beach Tour D'Elegance with his
gleaming Jaguar, and the car performed flawlessly on the
picturesque roads of the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur. This XK150
continues to benefit from restoration and proper maintenance and
mechanical sorting for an excellent driving experience on command.
Accompanying documents include a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust
Certificate, plus a selection of work orders and service receipts.
With its balance of sharp handling, gutsy power, and vastly
improved passenger comfort, the 150 is the driving enthusiast's
pick of the XK range. Featuring great colors and delivering immense
character and presence, this sophisticated 1960 Jaguar XK150
3.8-litre Drophead Coupe is more than worthy of continued
preservation and appreciation, just as it has enjoyed under the
prior ownership.
Offers welcome and trades considered
