For Sale at Auction: 1959 Jaguar XK in Las Vegas, Nevada

Chassis No. T825028DN

Engine No. VAS1001-9

Transmission No. JLS44721JS

Body No. J10467

At the end of 1959, Jaguar upgraded the respected XK 150 with the twin-carbureted 3.8-liter engine from the Mark IX luxury sedan, giving the already-potent inline-six a significant boost to 223 horsepower. An optional and more desirable XK 150 S motor further expanded output to 268 horsepower thanks to triple SU carburetors, making it the most powerful XK variant yet. Out of the nearly 9,400 XK-150s produced, just 275 were equipped with the highest performance specification "S" 3.8-liter motor and, of these, only 150 were built as Fixed Head Coupes.

This right-hand drive 1959 Jaguar XK 150 S Fixed Head Coupe was the first "S" car fitted with Jaguar's 3.8-liter engine-rolling off the assembly line on the 18th of September 1959. Finished in British Racing Green over Suede Green leather seats and green wool carpeting, it was originally retained by the Jaguar Press Department and was used for press and marketing purposes until early 1961, bearing Coventry registration YHP 791. As a member of the press fleet, it was updated throughout the XK 150's life cycle, receiving a number of mechanical and cosmetic revisions from the factory. The car was notably displayed by Jaguar at the London Motor Show at Earls Court in October 1959. It was also featured in several magazine articles, including Autosport and The Motor, and appeared in Jaguar XK Series - The Complete Story by Jeremy Boyce. After a string of private owners, the Jaguar was purchased by Car Care Works LTD/Chiltern Aston Martin in March 1987, who would oversee its meticulous restoration beginning in 1987 and spanning more than a decade. The Jaguar was purchased in May 1999, while still under restoration, by Jacques Nasser, the President and CEO of Ford Motor Company, which was the parent company of Jaguar at the time. The restoration continued through Jaguar specialists Derek Watson and Don Law Jaguar, where the XK 150 received enhancements including a ported and polished head, stainless-steel exhaust, power rack-and-pinion steering, an improved cooling system with electric fan, high-flow radiator, air conditioning, and a modern radio installed in the trunk.

Upon completion, this significant example was displayed at the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Museum in Coventry, England, in the early 2000s before being imported into the United States in 2003. Now displaying 75,620 miles at cataloging, it is offered with a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate confirming it as matching-numbers and comes with its original service and owner's manuals, tools, original set of 72-spoke painted wire wheels with Avon Speed tires, a copy of Jaguar XK Series (in which it is featured), plus cases of paperwork and documentation including correspondence from Jaguar Cars confirming this example's provenance and status as a press car.

An exceptional offering in every respect, this 1959 Jaguar XK 150 S Fixed Head Coupe stands apart as the very first XK 150 S fitted with the 3.8-liter engine and Jaguar's official press representative for the potent new inline-six. Further bolstered with matching-numbers status, ownership by Ford President Jacques Nasser, documented factory provenance, and thoughtful upgrades, this XK 150 S is a perfect balance of historical significance and refined usability.