LOT 23

1958 Jaguar XK150S 3.4 — Upgraded to 3.8 Liter Roadster Chassis no. T831750DN

Sold for US$100,800 inc. premium

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Lot 23

1958 Jaguar XK150S 3.4 — Upgraded to 3.8 Liter Roadster

Audrain Concours Auction|29 September 2023, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame

1958 Jaguar XK150S 3.4 — Upgraded to 3.8 Liter Roadster
Chassis no. T831750DN

3,781cc DOHC 6-Cylinder Engine (see text)
2 SU carburetors
265bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Transmission with Factory Overdrive
Independent Front Suspension and Rigid Rear Axle with Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs
4-Wheel Hydraulic Dunlop Disc Brakes

*Powerful and rare S specification model
*Upgraded to 3.8-liter specification
*Factory overdrive equipped
*Desirable roadster bodywork
*The most refined of the original XKs

THE JAGUAR XK150S

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 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, 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.

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 center-lock wire wheels. The much-admired chromed Jaguar mascot was made available as an optional extra on an XK for the first time.

THE CAR OFFERED

This XK150S roadster from the first year of production represents the most desirable variant of the XK150 line up. The 'S' specification motor pumps out 250hp in 3.4-liter trim and the sleek lightweight roadster coachwork makes this the ultimate combination. In the final year of production, a 3.8-liter motor that would later find its way under the hood of the E-Type became available in the XK150, but precious few left the factory in either standard or 'S' trim. With factory overdrive, this 150 will happily charge down the road at modern highway speeds. A well-designed top with proper side windows increase their versatility.

This car was delivered new to Jaguar Cars of New York in very late 1958/early 1959. Fully loaded with overdrive, it was delivered in the colors it wears today, British Racing Green over Tan leather and a Fawn top. The early history of the car beyond its delivery is not recorded. We do know that by 1986 the car was in the possession of Pong Arkon of Vienna, Virginia, and that a little after this time it was acquired by noted collector Joel Finn. The following year it was sent to Bassett's Jaguar in Wyoming, Rhode Island for a comprehensive restoration, for which bills are on file totaling more than $24,000—quite a generous sum to spend on a restoration of an XK at the time. Further service records include a thorough mechanical overhaul in September 1998 for $13,582. After a quarter of a century with its past keeper it was purchased by the present owner. Contemporary receipts on file indicate the current owner has serviced the car and driven it sparingly, covering only 300 kilometers (the speedometer having been converted to a metric unit) in the last seven years.

At some point in its life its original engine must have been replaced, as the current block fitted is a 3.8 unit and its number has been removed. It appears to retain its original cylinder head, which carries the numerical suffix the car originally had '1636-9', but has a 3.8S 'VAS' prefix today, suggesting that it has been altered to create the most desirable variant of the model. Regardless of this apparent anomaly, to intents and purposes the Jaguar is seemingly the more desirable 3.4S model, with the added boost of a larger capacity stock 3.8 engine, and the added benefit of overdrive, all in all a great package for fast road touring.

Presented today as a good, older restoration in its original colors, this Jag has plenty of presence. This Jaguar is offered with extensive correspondence and service history going back nearly three decades.

XK150s are recognized as one of the most desirable and usable Jags of their era. With potent performance and refined comfort, they continue to be some of the most coveted Jaguars. Offered from private ownership, this represents excellent value in a premier collector Jaguar.

Footnotes

This Jaguar is titled as a model year 1960.

Saleroom notices

This Jaguar is equipped with triple SU carburetors.

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