LOT 62
1959 Jaguar XK150 3.4 DROPHEAD COUPE Chassis no. S838310DN Engine no. V-7096-9
Sold for US$72,800 inc. premium
Lot 62
1959 Jaguar XK150 3.4 DROPHEAD COUPE
1959 Jaguar XK150 3.4 DROPHEAD COUPE
Chassis no. S838310DN
Engine no. V-7096-9
Chassis no. S838310DN
Engine no. V-7096-9
3,442cc DOHC 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
190bhp at 5,500 rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
* Offered from longer term private ownership
* Former professional restoration
* Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirming matching numbers
* Usable tour car
Previewing at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.
THE JAGUAR XK150
"The Jaguar XK150 is undeniably one of the world's fastest and safest cars. It is quiet and exceptionally refined mechanically, docile and comfortable... " - The Autocar
The final glorious incarnation of Jaguar's fabulous 'XK' series of sports cars arrived in 1957. As its nomenclature suggests, 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 while benefiting from a new, wider body that provided increased interior space and improved visibility courtesy of a single-piece wrap-around windscreen, replacing the XK140's divided screen. 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 a problem of the earlier, drum-braked cars, but now the XK had stopping power to match its prodigious straight-line speed. As with the prior models open two seater, fixed head coupe and the versatile drophead coupe bodystyles as evidenced here were offered.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
As new the XK was supplied straight through Jaguar Cars of New York, to its first owner who is recorded on the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate as being a Mrs. E. Schleider, we assume on the East Coast of the U.S. This document denotes its original paintwork scheme to have been Pearl Grey, offset by a red interior and black top, while its technical specifications are confirmed to have included manual transmission with overdrive and a 9 to 1 compression ratio engine. Tallying the numbered components on this certificate confirms the car to retain its original matching numbers power unit today, as well as body and gearbox.
Mrs. Schleider's tenure is not charted beyond acquisition, but according to information on file by the early 2000s the car was to be found in Japan, where it was sourced by Symbolic Motor Car Company of La Jolla and repatriated to the US. Some photos show the car stripped back to bare metal, with date stamps of 1987 and 1994/5, suggesting that a repaint/refurbishment was undertaken prior to export/import. The Jaguar was traded by Symbolic to Chequered Flag of Marina Del Rey in the late 2000s who facilitated its next two transactions the latter being acquisition by the current owner in April 2009. It having been maintained by British and European Auto, of San Pedro, California.
In purchasing the Drophead, the consignor had sought high quality, matched numbers example for use on both coasts of the US as his schedule permitted. A report carried out at that point stated it to have been totally restored and to a very high standard, work which brought it to the present silver scheme, with the interior now a more subtle contrasting dark blue leather. The ensuing decade has seen approximately 1,000 miles a year of use, with maintenance carried out predominantly by Custom Transportation of Wakefield, Massachusetts, with a minor body repair by Nickole Auto Body Inc of Saugus, Mass in June 16. Work done over that period has included an engine and clutch rebuild, while the sensible precaution of uprated front disc brakes and fitting of radial tires and the modern additions of an electric cooling fan and LED taillights, have all enhanced its drivability and reliability. Recently inspected by Bonhams and found to be a nice clean example of its breed, its restoration only lightly aged.
One of the most practical sports models of its generation, the XK150 Drophead affords the luxury of 2+2 motoring with a convertible top for all weather contingents and as such is today a great option for the myriad of collector car tours one of the continuing ways to enjoy historic motoring.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the title will be in transit.
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