1960-Jaguar-XK150 S Roadster

Description

1960 Jaguar XK150S Roadster
s/n T831924DN engine no. VS1748-9
Old English White with Red Leather Interior

The ultimate development of the Jaguar’s legendary XK series, the XK150 represents significant advances and developments over the earlier cars. Like the earlier cars, the 150 was powered by Jaguar’s sophisticated, and by then, Le Mans winning twin cam inline six. Today, the XK150 remains one of the 1950s’ most iconic motor cars, and is known for its stunning styling and mechanical robustness. Compared to earlier cars, the XK150 has several technological advances over the 120 and 140 including power assisted disc brakes, and bigger cockpit which accommodates larger drivers more comfortably. As ever, the XK150 was available as a Roadster, Drophead, or Fixed Head Coupe, with the Roadster being the most striking and pure model. Additionally, the XK150 was available in both standard and S tunes, with the S being differentiated by the inclusion of triple 2” SU carburetors in place of the twin 1.75” carb setup on standard cars, as well as a straight port high compression cylinder head. This raised power considerably to a quoted 250hp for the 3.4 liter XK150S.

This particular car is a matching-numbers 3.4 liter XK150S that is extremely sound throughout. Its current owner purchased it in the Netherlands, where it had run several rallies including the Tulip. He imported the car to the United Kingdom, where he used and enjoyed the car for several years, including at Goodwood, and then imported it to the United States, where he has used it in a number of events including the Going to the Sun Rally. The car benefits from a number of thoughtful mechanical upgrades to make it an excellent driving example that is ideal for tours and events. Included in the upgrades are a 5-speed manual transmission conversion, as well as J.D. Classics sport fast road brake kit. The car comes with records from the last several years, showing regular maintenance and care, including the above upgrades, as well as new tires, new shocks, new engine wiring harness, rebuilt starter, new clutch, clutch hydraulics, and regular services. The total for this work was $26,060.05, and the original 4-speed overdrive gearbox is included with the car. The car is also equipped with a full stainless dual exhaust.

The car is structurally excellent and presents well. It has a nice even patina, with excellent solid panels and good paintwork. Close inspection reveals chips and stress cracks, but the panels fit and operate well, especially the doors. The chrome is very nice throughout, with no significant pitting, and only light scratches. The wheels are excellent, and wear new tires, including the spare. The lights are excellent throughout, including the correct tripod type headlamps. The car is equipped with Lucas ‘Flamethrower’ fog lamps. The glazing is good throughout, though the windscreen has wiper marks and light road rash.

The interior is in very nice condition. The leather has just the right amount of patina, and the remainder of the interior has been redone and is very nice, with excellent red wool carpets, and excellent like new wood on the dashboard. The dashboard upholstery and door upholstery are both very good, and the instruments are excellent and function properly. The various trim and switches are also excellent. A modern stereo has been discreetly installed and has iPod integration. The steering wheel is in good shape, including the horn button, though there are some cracks in the finish on the rim. The top is black canvas and is very good, though there are areas of chafing on the outside near the bottom corners of the rear window.

The engine compartment is tidy and clean, with nicely polished valve covers and carburetor float bowls. The triple carburetor setup is impressive and evocative, and the engine compartment is largely stock in appearance. There is an electric Kenlowe fan fitted to keep the car running cool. The trunk is correctly upholstered in red. The spare tire cover has been restored with new paint and a new leather pull strap, and the spare is in great shape, with a new tire. The T-handle is still present and the latches work correctly. The car has some tools still affixed to the underside of the spare tire cover.

The car is an absolute joy to drive. The engine runs well, makes great power, and sounds superb. The engine displays good oil pressure and does not smoke. The gearbox is excellent, with modern synchromesh which makes it a pleasure to use, as does the tall 5th gear ratio, which makes for good cruising at modern highway speeds. The chassis is solid, quiet, and reassuring, and the car displays excellent roadholding. The brakes work superbly with excellent bite and balance. The car has a wonderful coherent feel that blends the inimitable 1950’s sports car feel with welcome usability updates to ensure that this is a pleasure to use and enjoy on modern roads, and would make an exceptional event car.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a wholesome and very sound XK150S. The most developed of the XKs, a genuine XK150 S commands a significant premium over a standard XK150, and a structurally excellent matching numbers Roadster such as this one even more so. This car has an excellent blend of vintage feel and modern upgrades to make it a superb driver’s car, and it has been properly maintained to ensure that it should perform well on long distance events and tours. It is complete with many thousands of dollars of invoices, some tools, tonneau cover, owner’s manual, and poster-sized service chart.