Vehicle Description
The final iteration of the XK-series of sports cars arrived in
1957, bringing the most dramatic changes to the model range since
the XK120 debuted nearly a decade prior. In an effort to both
modernize the car and improve comfort and refinement, the new XK150
featured heavily revised styling with a higher beltline and slab
sides. It was wider than the outgoing XK140 and offered
considerably more cabin space. While the new design was noticeably
different, it retained the same character that made the XK series
so iconic. 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 soldiered on,
uprated to 210 horsepower for the base and S.E. models thanks to a
new B-Type cylinder head. New for the XK150 was the addition of the
"S" model, which added a straight-port head with triple S.U.
Carburetors to produce an impressive 250 horsepower. In October of
1960, production ended, with fewer than 10,000 XK150s rolling out
of Jaguar's Browns Lane works. This gorgeous 1959 XK150 is one of
just 888 3.4-liter models combining the high-performance "S" engine
with the sporty Open Two-Seat roadster body. This car is the
subject of a body-off, nut-and-bolt restoration, and is offered in
the beautiful combination of Regency Red over a biscuit leather
cockpit. The "S" package combines wire wheels and dual exhaust from
the SE with the 250 horsepower straight-port 3.4-liter six and the
optional Laycock de Normanville electric overdrive. This
combination gives this 150 superb all-round performance and
enhanced high-speed touring ability. The most recent owner
discovered this car in Arizona, and while it was a bit tired on the
surface, they found it to be an incredibly sound, unmolested
example. As the multi-year restoration got underway, they
discovered the original sheet metal was remarkably solid and
straight, with only one incidental spot of corrosion and no signs
of past bodywork. Thanks to the fastidious owner and various marque
specialists' efforts, this XK150 S OTS presents in excellent order
today. The restoration is well-detailed, with beautiful Imperial
Red paintwork on the straight and properly aligned body. Plating
and brightwork are equally lovely, with excellent bumpers, body
trim, and sparkling chrome wire wheels shod with period-correct
black wall Michelin Pilote X tires. Fittings include dual wing
mirrors, twin Lucas Flamethrower driving lamps, and a new, unused
tan canvas tonneau cover. Compared to the roadster versions of the
XK120/140, the XK150 is notably more comfortable and user-friendly.
Glass roll-up side windows replaced the fiddly side curtains of
earlier models, and Jaguar made the doors made larger for easier
ingress, with thinner interior panels to improve cockpit width.
Despite the changes, the XK150 cockpit remains familiar to any
marque enthusiast, with classic Smiths instruments in a central
fascia, the adjustable four-spoke steering wheel, and thin chrome
shift lever canted forward for easy reach. This car's biscuit
leather is excellent, showing some light character in the driver's
seat from occasional use. Matching Wilton wool carpets are clean
and expertly fitted, as are the various leather trimmings on the
dash and door panels. The convertible top frame is fully restored,
repainted with the correct shade of dove gray, and finished with
tan Stayfast canvas topping. The matching-numbers 3.4-liter
inline-six was completely rebuilt as part of the restoration, along
with the gearbox, overdrive unit, and rear differential. Before
reuniting the engine with the chassis, it was detailed to a high
standard, with highlights including the pumpkin orange cylinder
head (correct for S-specification engines), period-correct decals
and labels, and polished alloy cam covers, carburetor bodies, and
intake. The exhaust manifolds are the proper black porcelain finish
with brass hardware, and they feed a full stainless steel system.
The frame and suspension components are powder coated satin black
and reassembled using new or restored fasteners. Nearly every
aspect of the project is well-documented through a large stack of
receipts, records, and hundreds of detailed photographs. Also, a
fully restored tool kit and hammer will accompany the sale. Since
completing the restoration, the owners have enjoyed their marvelous
Jaguar sparingly, accruing approximately two thousand miles via
casual drives and tours. It scored 99-points in JCNA competition at
the Little Switzerland Concours event, and it remains in excellent
condition inside and out. As the driver's choice from the XK
family, this 150 S OTS will be a welcome addition to any
enthusiast's garage. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6710-1959-jaguar-xk150s-roadster/
