Fantasy Junction

Description

1959 Jaguar XK 150 S Drophead
s/n T838092DN, Engine No. VS1828-9
Black with Red Leather

The ultimate development of the Jaguar's legendary XK series, the XK150 represents significant advancements over the earlier cars. They remain one of the 1950s' most iconic motor cars, and they embody the flash and grace of the 1950s, as well as Jaguar's usual mechanical sophistication, including the lovely twin cam XK inline-6. Compared to earlier cars, the XK150 has several technological advances over the 120 and 140 including power assisted disc brakes which Jaguar had pioneered the use of at Le Mans, and a bigger cockpit area which accommodates larger drivers more comfortably. As ever, the XK150 was available as a more elemental roadster, the more completely equipped Drophead, and as a fixed head coupe. In 1959, the top spec was the S model, produced in extremely limited numbers and differentiated by the use of the high compression engine with straightened cylinder head ports coupled with triple 2 inch SU carburetors, a configuration quoted to produce 250hp by Jaguar. The car also featured stronger connecting rod bearings and clutch, dual SU fuel pumps, and a lightened flywheel.

This particular example is one of just 68 factory S specifications Drophead Coupes delivered in the desirable left hand drive configuration. It retains its matching numbers engine block and cylinder head, and has been the subject of an exacting cosmetic and mechanical restoration in its original delivery colors. Extremely fresh, and very well sorted, this XK 150 S is ideal for the Jaguar collector seeking the rarest, most user-friendly, professionally restored XK series car available.

A genuine matching-numbers factory S specification car, this example was completed on the 26th of January 1959, and delivered new in black with red interior to its first owner by way of Jaguar Cars New York on the 20th of February 1959. According to previous owners, the car evidently ended up in California almost immediately, and stayed a low mileage example, at which point it was sold to a well-meaning owner in Oregon who intended to restore it, but never got around to the project. It was then acquired by James Kakuska of J & K Restorations, who have been restoring XK Series Jaguars for over 30 years. They performed a no-expense spared restoration to absolute show condition which was completed in 2010.

The restoration work was both cosmetic and mechanical. The bodywork and paint prep was done in house by James Kakuska personally. He recalls the car as having been a structurally superior longtime dry climate car which didn’t require any significant metalwork to speak of save for the left front headlight bucket. The original sills and shut faces remain. All the brightwork was outsourced to a supplier local to J & K Restorations. The wiring harness was remade by Rhode Island Wiring, and the gauges were rebuilt. The suspension, brake, cooling, and fueling systems were also restored. The matching numbers engine was rebuilt and balanced by Auto Machine (documentation on file), who have been providing engines to J & K for some 30 years and counting. The transmission, overdrive unit, and differential are original to the car, and have also been rebuilt. The posi-differential was reassembled with new clutch discs. In summary, virtually every aspect of the car was included in the restoration process, no corners were cut, and the final product is fully sorted and detailed. Just 109 miles have been logged since the completion of the work.

The car is difficult to fault, either on the road or through critical inspection. Every aspect of the appearance is as-new, or better. The paint, upholstery, switchgear, brightwork, top, engine bay, and underside are all fresh and exquisite. The car has an appropriate and surefooted stance. The engine has a particularly smooth character, but supplies ample power and has good carburation. The brakes stop the car well, and the drive unit works correctly. The suspension has a taut feel of a freshly restored car, and the steering is precise. Unlike some freshly restored cars, this XK-150S has the excellent composure of a well-sorted example.

Included with the car are the tools, manual, matching wire wheel spare, an extra and extremely beautiful wood and aluminum steering wheel, and the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a genuine and fully restored XK-150S Drophead Coupe with matching numbers, in its original colors, and with factory overdrive. With just 68 cars built in this configuration, this car is an excellent example of one of the rarest and most desirable variants of the Jaguar XK line.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608