3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
3 SU Carburetors
210bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-wheel Disc Brakes

* As found
* Special Equipment model
* Will be accompanied by Heritage Certificate
* Definitive XK

THE JAGUAR XK150S

The ultimate expression of Jaguar's fabulous 'XK' series of sports cars arrived in 1957. The XK150 was a progressive development of the XK120 and XK140, retaining the same basic chassis, 3.4-liter engine and four-speed Moss transmission of its predecessors. It benefited from a new, wider body that provided increased interior space and improved visibility, courtesy of a single-piece wrap-around windscreen that replaced the XK140's divided screen. Cleverly, the new body used many XK120/140 pressings, the increased width being achieved by means of a 4"-wide central fillet. A higher front wing line and broader radiator grille were other obvious differences, but the new model's main talking point was its Dunlop disc brakes. Fade following repeated stops from high speed had been noted on the earlier, drum-braked cars, but now the XK had stopping power to match its prodigious straight-line speed.

The XK150 was available at first only in fixed and drophead coupé forms; the open roadster version didn't appear until the following year. At 190bhp, the engine's maximum power output was identical to that of the XK140, so performance was little changed. 'Special Equipment' and 'S' versions came with 210 and 250bhp respectively, the latter delivering an astonishing 0-60mph time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 136mph. This was achieved by the introduction of the Weslake-developed 'straight-port' cylinder head, high-compression pistons, triple 2" SU carburetors and twin electric fuel pumps. The car regularly recorded in excess of 130mph in magazine road tests. 'The Jaguar XK150 is undeniably one of the world's fastest and safest cars. It is quiet and exceptionally refined mechanically, docile and comfortable... we do not know of any more outstanding example of value for money,' declared The Autocar.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This Jaguar XK150 SE was born on August 22nd of 1958. The left-hand-drive model was delivered to Jaguar Cars of New York, where it was first sold. According to its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, the car was delivered in a very attractive combination of Pearl Grey over a red interior with a black top.

The roadster has recently emerged from long term ownership on Long Island. Not used for many years, the car ostensibly appears to have been repainted many years ago, and then left unused. Its interior appears to be the original. At some point in its career the Jaguar has had its engine replaced with a period unit, which fits in sequence for these cars, but is from a slightly earlier car.

No Bonhams sale would be complete without a 'barn find', this should keep an enthusiast busy for the summer.