Vehicle Description
The final installment of Jaguar's legendary line of XK sports cars
arrived in 1957, ushering in the most dramatic changes to the model
range since the XK120 debuted nearly a decade prior. The new
XK150's styling was significantly revised with a higher beltline
and broad, slab body sides to modernize its looks and improve
comfort and refinement. It was wider than the outgoing XK140,
offering considerably more cabin space. The new design was
noticeably different, yet it retained the same character that made
the XK series so eminently desirable among sports car enthusiasts.
Under the skin, it was business as usual for Jaguar. The chassis
featured independent front suspension, a Salisbury live rear axle,
disc brakes at all four corners, and rack and pinion steering. The
powerful twin overhead-cam inline-six remained under the bonnet,
and thanks to a new B-Type cylinder head, horsepower increased to
210. New for the XK150 was the high-performance "S" option, which
added a straight-port head with triple S.U. Carburetors to produce
an impressive 250 horsepower. Production ended in October 1960,
with fewer than 10,000 XK150s rolling out of Jaguar's Browns Lane
works, as the all-new E-Type was slated to take over.
This gorgeous 1959 XK150 is one of just 888 3.4-liter "S" Open
Two-Seat roadsters produced. It is the subject of a body-off,
nut-and-bolt restoration finished in its striking original color
scheme of black over red leather upholstery with a sand hood and is
believed to be one of just eight cars built to this specification
and color scheme. Bekrag Motors of Orange, New Jersey, sold it new
to Mr. J.N. Hill, and it remained within New Jersey for much of its
life. In the mid-1980s, a local collector acquired it from the 3rd
owner, reportedly with just 43,000 miles on the odometer. It was
described as a clean original car at the time, and the owner
enjoyed the car for several years before sending it to a California
Jaguar specialist for a 2 � year nut and bolt restoration. The
XK150 was returned to its original splendor, finished in
factory-correct colors with exceptional, high-level detailing.
In 2016, the XK150 S was purchased by another New Jersey based
collector, who subsequently sold the motorcar to its most recent
custodian in 2021. Since then, this lovely XK has been maintained
thoroughly by a highly regarded shop in Connecticut. In 2023 the
Jaguar proved itself at the Jaguar of New England Concours,
receiving Best in Class (XK), Best in Show by judge's vote, and
finally People's Choice. A year later the Jaguar was shown at the
Audrain Concours d'Elegance, completing the tour and was highly
competitive on the show field.
As presented, it is an exquisite example with a superb, highly
detailed restoration. The black bodywork is impressively crisp and
straight with excellent panel fitment. Chrome and brightwork are
similarly outstanding, and the car rides on brilliant chrome
knock-off wire wheels shod with Blockley radials. It currently
shows fewer than 45,000 miles, which is believed to be accurate and
has covered just a few thousand since its world-class
restoration.
The beautifully trimmed cockpit is finished with superb red
Connolly hides and correct materials such as Wilton carpet and
vinyl coverings. Instruments and controls are naturally all correct
and beautifully restored. The hood is trimmed in sand-colored
Haartz canvas, and the boot is lined with proper red Hardura.
Lifting the bonnet reveals a gorgeous, highly detailed engine bay.
The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate confirms it retains
its original, numbers-matching block and head. The presentation is
superb, with highly polished alloy cam covers, triple SU
carburetors (unique to the S model), and authentic decals and
labels. The original airbox remains in its rightful place, and the
hoses, clamps, and ancillaries are appropriately detailed to
concours standards. The restorers fitted an updated five-speed
all-synchro gearbox, allowing for trouble-free high-speed touring
and effortless up- and downshifts. Additionally, a gear reduction
starter and Pertronix ignition system were fitted, while the car
was returned to its correct negative ground 12-volt system.
Opportunities to acquire a genuine XK150 S roadster are rare,
particularly in such an eminently attractive and desirable factory
color scheme. This concours-proven example is fit for a wide range
of worldwide motoring events, with exquisite detailing to wow the
judges and exhilarating performance to thrill occupants on the open
road.
Offers welcome and trades considered.
