
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 269
1959 Jaguar XK150SE 3.4-Litre Drophead Coupé Registration no. WYN 628 Chassis no. 827452DN
What would turn out to be the final glorious incarnation of Jaguar's fabulous 'XK' sports car family 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-litre engine and four-speed Moss transmission 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 straight-line speed.
Introduced in the spring of 1957, the XK150 was available at first only in fixed and drophead coupé forms, the open roadster version not appearing 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. 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. Steel wheels remained the standard fitting, though XK150s so-equipped are a great rarity, as most were sold in SE (Special Equipment) specification with centre-lock wire wheels.
Its present owner purchased this XK150SE from Twyford Moors in November 2011, at which time TM were commissioned to fit electronic ignition and a Kenlowe electric fan and expansion tank. Other notable features include a five-speed gearbox; alloy radiator (fitted March 2021); Moto-Lita four-spoke steering wheel; vehicle tracker; and a diaphragm clutch, the latter installed in September 2013. In 2020/2021 the entire hood, upholstery, and chromed fittings were renewed, while the brakes were overhauled recently. The XK sits on colour-coded (black) wire wheels and comes with its original chromed set. Serviced exclusively by Twyford Moors for the last ten years and freshly MoT'd by them in August, the car has been garaged in dry, secure accommodation throughout the present ownership. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a sensibly upgraded XK150 drophead, benefiting from long-term professional maintenance.
Please note this car now offered with a 1-year MOT certificate.




























































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