1958 Jaguar XK150 3.4 Fixed Head Coupe

3,442cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
190bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front wishbone with torsion bars and rear live-axle with half-elliptical springs
4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes

*Delivered new to the US
*Nicely restored and presented
*Converted to a desirable manual transmission
*Certified by the Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust


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 4-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. The chassis remained much as before, as did the 3.4-liter, XK, six-cylinder engine that produced 190bhp as 'standard' which was identical to its XK140 predecessor. Additionally, the XK could receive a bump in power to 210bhp when fitted with the 'B'-type cylinder head. 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

Produced in Jaguar's Coventry workshops on December 16, 1957, this Left-Hand Drive XK150 Fixed Head Coupe was dispatched to the United States shortly thereafter and delivered new by Jaguar Cars of New York to one E W Overstreet of Los Angeles. Uniquely distributed directly by the manufacturer, the sleek coupe was originally trimmed in Cotswold Blue with matching Dark Blue hides, an automatic transmission and the full Special Equipment package that included dual fog lights, dual exhaust, a set of five wire wheels, dual exterior fender mirrors, and windshield washers—the latter package it still carries today. Further history on the car was unknown at press time beyond the fact that by 2009 the car had been restored to its current Carmen Red over Biscuit hides color scheme and the old automatic transmission had been replaced with a more desirable correct specification 4-speed manual.

This XK150 is nicely equipped, presents very well in both mechanical and aesthetic appearance, while featuring attractive brightwork throughout. Known for being one of the more spacious classic Jaguar models, the Fixed Head Coupe is a wonderful choice for drivers with a larger frame. With copious amounts of legroom complemented by a back 'jump' seat and a large trunk area, the XK150 is a very well-suited choice for travelling on vintage driving rallies such as the Copperstate 1000. Included with the car is an owner's manual, Heritage Certificate, jack, grease gun, photos and electrical information. Recently serviced and prepared for road use, this vehicle is ready to be driven, enjoyed, as well as being shown at your local concours or JCNA event.