Lot details
Registration No: THE 150
Chassis No: S838550BW
Mot Expiry: May 2018

- Distinctive cherished registration 'THE 150'

- Subject to an older restoration circa 1995

- 3.8 engine and Borg Warner automatic gearbox

- Supplied by Jaguar Cars New York, subsequently converted to RHD

The final iteration of the XK sportscar line and the last Jaguar to carry a separate chassis, the XK150 was introduced in May 1957. While its use of independent torsion-bar front suspension, a 'live' leaf-sprung rear axle and rack-and-pinion steering mirrored the practice of its XK140 predecessor, the new model benefited from the option of all-round Dunlop disc brakes (though, in practice very few - if any - cars were delivered with drum brakes). Stylistically, the newcomer was brought up-to-date with less ostentatious curves and a larger, wrap-around single piece windscreen. The dashboard too was altered eschewing wood trim for padded leather. With the E-type still very much under development, Jaguar was keen to sustain the sporting reputation that a remarkable five Le Mans victories (1951, 1953, 1955, 1956 and 1957) had earned it.

Initially powered by a 3442cc derivative of the marque's race-proven DOHC straight-six engine, the XK150 could be had in Fixed-Head Coupe, Open Two-Seater (Roadster) or Drophead Coupe guises. In the autumn of 1959 the model became available with the 3.8-litre engine which had debuted in the Mark IX saloon. 'Standard' (220bhp) or 'S' (265bhp) states of tune were offered and, despite the increased weight, power was more than enough to provide exhilarating performance, recording in excess of 130mph in numerous road tests. Special Equipment models featured wire wheels and a B-Type cylinder head whilst a Borg-Warner automatic gearbox option, as fitted here, became an increasingly popular option.

Subject to an older restoration circa 1995, this well-presented XK150 is finished in Maroon with Biscuit leather and has the desirable 3.8-litre engine. It was supplied from new through Jaguar Cars New York to its first owner, a Dr DE Holler, with the Borg-Warner automatic gearbox option being specified. At some point, presumably during its restoration, the car has been converted to righthand drive.

Described as being in "very good" condition with regard to its bodywork, paintwork, engine, transmission and interior, it is said to be a very usable and easy to drive classic and is offered with the most appropriate and highly desirable registration number 'THE 150'. For better handling the car sits on a set of modern radial tyres with wider wire wheels, however for the purist the car also comes with a set of cross-ply tyres mounted on the original size wire wheels. A Kenlowe fan is fitted for convenience under modern traffic conditions. The culmination of the XK range which could trace its roots back to the world-beating XK120, the XK150 offers wind-in-the-hair performance allied to comfort and safety in true Jaguar tradition.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle is of course a Drophead Coupe and not a Roadster as printed in the catalogue.