• Year of manufacture 
    1960
  • Car type 
    Other
  • Engine number 
  • Drive 
    LHD
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Exterior brand colour 
    Black
  • Number of seats 
    2
  • Location
    United States
  • Exterior colour 
    Other
  • Gearbox 
    Other
  • Drivetrain 
    2wd
  • Fuel type 
    Petrol

Description

In 1957, Jaguar released the final and most advanced version of the XK-series of sports cars. The XK150 featured the most significant changes made since the XK120 appeared in 1949. The chassis was very similar to the outgoing 140, with independent front suspension, Salisbury rear axle, and rack and pinion steering. New for the 150, however, was the fitment of Dunlop four-wheel disc brakes, pioneered by C-Type and perfected on the D-Type at Le Mans. The standard engine was the 3.4-liter version of the XK twin-cam inline six, however for the final year of production in 1960, it was bumped to 3.8-liters and 220 horsepower in standard form, or 265 horsepower with the optional “S” package. Outwardly, the XK150 was drastically different from its earlier counterparts. The body was taller and wider to allow for a roomier cockpit and give a fresh look heading into the 1960s. In keeping with tradition, the XK150 was available as an open two-seat roadster, drophead coupe or closed fixed-head coupe. Buyers responded well to the updated, modernized styling, as well as the improved comfort and drivability and sales were up slightly over the XK140. Ultimately, the XK150 proved to be an excellent swansong to the legendary XK line, and it set the stage for the arrival of Jaguar’s next sensational sports car, the E-Type.

This striking XK150 3.8 Fixed Head Coupe is a late production model with many desirable options and features. It has had just a handful of long-term owners and it wears a high-quality and extremely well-maintained restoration that was finished in the early 1990s. The included Jaguar Heritage Certificate shows this 150 was delivered new on December 16, 1960, to Lt. Col. J W Regan. Finished in the very rare color combination of black on black, this car was specified with the 3.8-liter engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. Other options include the Special Equipment package and a fabric Webasto-type sunroof which is a very rare option on the fixed head coupe. The original Periodic Maintenance Voucher booklet was first stamped in March of 1961 by Imperial Motors, Inc. of Wilmette, Illinois at 508 miles. Regular servicing continued through 1971 with the last stamp coming at 36,381 miles. It is believed that the car traveled with Lt. Col. Regan, from Illinois to New York where it was serviced by specialist George Haug Co. as late as 1966. It appears the car then traveled to England, where Murkett Bros. Ltd of Huntingdon maintained it, and finally by S.V. Robinson’s Garage of Kimbolton in 1971.

By 1974, this XK150 was back in the ‘States and in the hands of Michael Lee Bowman of Greenville, NC. An old title shows the Jaguar was traded or sold by Bowman to Cy Kay Motors of Illinois in 1983. By 1984 it had found its next long-term owner, Dr. Jim Owen of Dothan Alabama who would take exceptional care of the Jaguar for the next 30-plus years. An extensive collection of receipts for parts and service work in Owen’s name is included in the file, culminating with a comprehensive and high-quality restoration performed in the early 1990s. The body-off restoration is documented with photos and receipts, revealing the care and detail that went into returning this car to beautiful, better-than-new condition in its original black on black livery. As part of the project, the engine, gearbox, and overdrive were shipped to XK’s Unlimited for a full rebuild and the chassis was fully detailed to show-quality standards.

While the restoration is now more than 25 years old, it has been lovingly maintained and presents in very fine condition from top to bottom. The body is quite straight and the black paint remarkably good, with deep gloss and only a couple of very minute touchups and flaws visible upon close inspection. The brightwork all presents very well, with just some slight crazing apparent on some minor pieces, but otherwise appearing in very good condition. The rare original color combination is complemented by a set of black wire wheels wrapped in black wall Blockley tires which lend the car a purposeful and aggressive appearance, punctuated with original amber-lens Lucas auxiliary lights.

Like the body, the interior has aged remarkably well. Black leather seats are in excellent condition, and the upholstery remains supple.  Chrome lift-latch seatbelts were added, while the rest of the cabin remains correct and true to original, down to the Perspex sun visors. Correct Wilton wool carpets are used throughout, and the vestigial rear seats appear unused. The headlining is trimmed in gray fabric, which carries over on the fully-lined Webasto sunroof. Correct black and gray leather cover the instrument panel, which houses original gauges and switchgear. The original tool roll, hammer, jack, and grease gun are in place in the boot. Also included are an original handbook and the seldom-seen service coupon booklet.

Photos show the engine and chassis were fully detailed to show-quality standards before fitting the body. The car appears to have seen light use and remains in outstanding condition, with the original, numbers-matching engine and cylinder head are appropriately detailed. It is dressed with the correct air intake, glass washer bottle, hardware, and finishes. The chassis was updated with Spax adjustable shocks and stainless steel brakes to ensure long-term reliability and improved handling. In March 2018, the engine received a top-end overhaul by Jaguar experts Coventry West of Lithonia, Georgia, which included new inlet valves, a top-end reseal, and carburetor servicing.

The XK150 is a luxurious and practical GT car with unmistakable styling and presence. This car’s powerful 3.8-liter engine and overdrive gearbox make for effortless cruising, and the large sunroof allows for an open-air experience with the reassurance of all-weather capability. With numerous rare and desirable options and a beautifully maintained restoration, this XK is ideally suited for any number of classic car rallies, tours, and events worldwide and is sure to delight its next keeper.