For Sale: 1961 Jaguar XK150 in Costa Mesa, California

1961 Jaguar XK150 S 3.8-Litre Fixed Head Coupe

• VIN S83651XXX
• Engine No. VA1133-9

One of only 656 XK150 Fixed Head Coupes produced with Jaguar's larger 3.8-liter engine, this example combines limited-production specification, the final year of the XK150, and a series of carefully selected mechanical upgrades to improve performance and drivability. Beautifully restored and finished in dual-tone Claret with a Maroon interior, the XK150 S 3.8-liter engine features triple SU carburetors, 9:1 high-compression pistons, a stainless-steel exhaust, an upgraded T-5 manual 5-speed gearbox, and power steering, added to improve low-speed maneuverability and touring comfort. With four-wheel disc brakes and an enclosed Fixed Head Coupe body, the result is a 3.8-liter XK150 configured for both touring and regular road use.

During the restoration, the XK150 was finished in dual-tone Claret with matching painted wire wheels. The Maroon interior complements the exterior and retains the grand-touring character of the Fixed Head Coupe body style, with its sweeping roofline and enclosed cabin. Burlingame Motors in Burlingame, California, did substantial mechanical work. The engine was sent out for rebuilding; after completion, it was prepared for dyno testing, reinstalled, and the ignition timing and carburetors were set before road testing. At the same time, they replaced the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing, and installed a custom electric power-steering system.

British European Auto Excellence Inc. in San Pedro, California, recently serviced the XK, installing an electronic ignition module, points set, exhaust mounts, and a manual choke switch. The team cleaned the carburetors, reset the base mixture, synchronized them, adjusted the idle speed, and set the handbrake. The result is an exceptional XK150 S to drive.

Powered by a 3.8-liter inline-six and paired with a manual 5-speed transmission, this XK150 combines its limited-production 3.8-liter Fixed Head Coupe specification with a beautifully restored, documented engine rebuild, triple-carburetor "S" style specification, power steering, four-wheel disc brakes, and an upgraded transmission. Finished in dual-tone Claret over maroon, an excellent example of Jaguar's final XK-series grand tourer.