Fantasy Junction

Description

1960 Jaguar XK 150 Roadster
s/n S832119DN, Engine no. V7475-8
Opalescent Blue with Blue Leather

One of the 1950s most iconic motor cars, the Jaguar XK series have always a strong following. With a growing numbers of shows, clubs, and events catering to these cars, they continue to be in demand. As the final model in the XK production line, the 150 made several technological advances over the 120 and 140, and provided a bigger cockpit area which accommodates a larger driver more comfortably. The 150 was also the first Roadster equipped with roll up windows. Of the threes variations produced, the XK 150 Roadster is by far the most valuable and sought after. In total, just 1,339 150 Roadsters were produced, considerably less than in the120 or 140 series.

Evidently this car was ordered in the USA by a prominent physician in Washington State. The car was delivered in Paris, France at the Doctor’s request and was toured through Europe on several occasions before he brought the car home to the USA in the Pacific North West. As evidence to this, the car still bears the Paris dealer’s plate on the inner right front fender. This car was built at the time the factory was transitioning to the production of the very limited 3.8L engine of which only a few Roadsters were produced with in late 1960, and in 1961, before the Series I E-Types were introduced. This car is the higher horsepower SE model, and one of the first cars built with the elongated heavy taillights featured on the rare 3.8 series of late 1960 through 1961. Its chassis number denotes it as an example fitted with special equipment, and the desirable Laycock de Normanville overdrive unit from new. Interestingly, it is among the very last of the 3.4L Roadster models built. The car was originally silver with red hides.

The car was maintained and driven until the Doctor’s passing in his nineties. According to the present owner, even at that time it was a relatively low mileage non-rusty car with only the headlight pods having been replaced with minor rust issues.

According to the present owner, this very original car was then purchased in the 1990s and restored in Washington by way of a frame-off nut and bolt restoration effort which took over 5 years to complete, and was finished in the late 1990s. According to a previous owner, there wasn’t any part of the car that was not involved in the restoration process, and since completion, it has been kept in a climate controlled garage and driven in fair weather only. Many NOS Jaguar parts were used in the process with new brakes, re-chroming, new wheels shod with Avon tires, and a fresh correct canvas top, and interior in navy leather with a well-fitting navy fabric top with correct pinning in place. The gauges were also rebuilt.

According to the present owner, the factory 4-speed transmission was disassembled, rebuilt, and reinstalled with a new clutch, and the engine was sent to California for a rebuild. The original head with matching stamped “V” marking was misplaced for some time in the restoration process, so the car was assembled with a replacement head. After completion and assembly of the engine, the original head was located and it is included with the sale. New suspension parts and a straight and solid body have come together to provide the new owner with a solid, correct example of the late model XK 150 in beautiful opalescent blue, featuring a very well done, complimenting top and full interior.

The car makes a strong presentation cosmetically, and the comprehensive nature of the restoration work is evident upon close inspection. The body is straight and displays excellent structural integrity. The paintwork has been done to a high level at the time of restoration, and is mellowing just slightly. The brightwork, emblems, and lenses, are in very good order throughout, and the car sits on magnificent chrome wire wheels.

The interior has been re-trimmed as part of the restoration work, and shows virtual no wear or aging. The seats have been done in subtle leather, and the dash top and door panels in dark blue vinyl to match. The correct switchgear and instrumentation remains in place, and this example retains its correct steering wheel.

The engine bay is representative of a correctly and comprehensively restored car. Similarly, the underside is also displaces the thoroughness of the restoration efforts, and makes a very nice presentation.

The car has a very well-resolved feel on the road. The engine makes good power and is free of the top end clatter which sometimes troubles the XK series cars. The brakes are effective and the gauges appear to be functioning. This example has been thoughtfully updated with a more modern aluminum radiator and an auxiliary cooling fan making it all the more user friendly in modern day traffic.

This car should provide the new owner years of pride and pleasure. The restoration remains nice enough to show casually, or alternatively, it will make an excellent tour car for someone looking to enjoy this XK 150 on the open road. This factory left hand drive example may find itself back in Europe where it was first delivered and driven back from the Paris showroom in its early tours of Europe. It is offered with an original tool roll with tools, a restored jack, and its original cylinder head.

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