1959 Jaguar XK150 3.4 Drophead Coupe

3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
220bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Offered from the Judge DiLoreto Collection
*Beautiful example of the fully-evolved XK Jaguar
*Appropriately finished in Carmen Red over black livery
*Elegant and timeless Jaguar looks and powerful Twin-cam power


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... we do not know of any more outstanding example of value for money." - The Autocar.

What would turn out to be 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.

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 a problem of the earlier, drum-braked cars, but now the XK had stopping power to match its prodigious straight-line speed.

Introduced in the spring of 1957, the XK150 was available at first only in fixed and drop head coupe forms, the open roadster version not appearing until the following year. At 190bhp, the standard 3.4-liter engine's maximum power output was identical to that of the XK140, so performance was little changed. Overdrive and a Borg-Warner automatic gearbox were the transmission options, the latter becoming an increasingly popular choice, while a Thornton Powr-Lok limited-slip differential was available for the XK150S.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Completed at Jaguar's Browns Lane, Coventry works during 1959, this now classic Jaguar XK150 was built as a top-of-the-line Drophead Coupe version and appears to have been configured as a right-hand drive example. The powerful and timeless Jaguar XK was acquired by Judge DiLoreto in the mid-2000s, and today displays its older restoration very well, while many finishes and ancillaries appear to be original and preserved. Finished in period-correct Carmen Red over a black interior and convertible top, this XK150 Drophead Coupe looks incredibly elegant and appropriate. Chrome wire wheels are installed fitted with whitewall tires, and out front a set of period-correct driving lights are mounted. The XK150's stamped engine block number appears to fall into the appropriate sequence, but the cylinder head appears to have been replaced at some point. A great entry to rallies and driving events, this Jaguar benefits from the many updates and improvements carried out on the XK model since introduced in the late 1940s.