1960 Jaguar XK150S 3.8-Litre Coupé
Registration no. 6 SPC (see text)
Chassis no. T825181DN
Engine no. VAS1153-9

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-litre 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. 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.

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

In the autumn of 1959 the XK150 became available with the 3.8-litre engine first seen in the Mark IX saloon. 'Standard' (220bhp) or 'S' (265bhp) states of tune were offered (the latter featuring overdrive as standard) and in either form the XK150's increased weight was more than offset by the power of the larger engine, the car regularly recording in excess of 130mph in magazine road tests. Only 150 fixed-head coupés were manufactured to 3.8-litre 'S' specification, of which it is estimated fewer than half survive.

Manufactured on 17th March 1960 and dispatch from the factory three weeks later, this matching numbers XK150S was first owned by Robertson Brothers Ltd of Woking, Surrey. It is understood that the second owner was Mr Harold Lebonwitz from Calgary, Canada who bought the car in the UK in 1975 and took it home with him. The third owner, Mr Steven Hynes of West Vancouver, Canada, bought the XK in 1993. In 1999 the car was for sale on his behalf at XK Unlimited in California, USA and passed that year via another dealer, Peter Scadron of Illinois to its fourth private owner, Mr John E Jordan of Potomac, Arizona. The fifth and last private owner, Mr Steven Strelitz of Payson, Arizona, purchased the car in 2004 and dispatched it to World of Jaguar in Phoenix, Arizona for a 'ground upwards' restoration, which was completed in 2006. Mr Strelitz was a keen collector and rally driver; all his cars, including this one, were fitted with improved cooling systems, alternators and electronic ignition (original parts with car).

Ready for tours and rallies, this rare XK150S is offered with Jaguar Heritage certificate, current MoT and an extensive history file containing numerous invoices and photographs of the restoration. We understand that a V5C registration document has been applied for, including the original registration number '6 SPC'.