1958 Jaguar XK150S 3.4 Roadster

Description

Last of a famous line, the Jaguar XK150 was launched in 1957 and further refined the concept of the legendary XK sports car that had been around for almost a decade. The bodywork was considerably revised, with a new one-piece wraparound windscreen, less pronounced wing line and a wider rendition of the radiation grille giving the 150 a more modern appearance whilst retaining the feline grace common to all William Towns' Jaguars. The new shape resulted in more interior space and was again offered in three distinct models - the sporty roadster, luxurious drophead coupe and practical fixed-head coupe, the former arguably the sleekest, the latter pair both fitted with occasional rear seats. Perhaps the most significant change from the XK140 was the adoption of Dunlop disc brakes all round, while the 3.4-litre XK engine was initially carried over with the same output as the XK 140. Not many 150s actually received this engine though, as most were fitted with the new B-Type cylinder head and punched out 210 bhp courtesy of larger valves and twin SU HD6 carburettors to give improved mid-range torque. The 'S' specification introduced in 1958 gave more power still- a rousing 250 bhp through three SU HD8 2-inch carbs. A dual exhaust system and the option of an automatic transmission for the American market rounded out the list of major changes. Inside, the traditional veneers were replaced with a more modern facia of aluminium and leather and occupants found the cabin considerably more comfortable than earlier models. For many collectors, the XK150 represents the ultimate variant of Jaguar's classic Fifties sports car and in fixed-head guise, is regarded as perhaps the most practical and comfortable XK of all.