1958 Jaguar XK150 Roadster

The Jaguar XK150 was a progressive developed of the XK120 and XK140. It retained the same basic chassis, 3-liter engine, and four-speed Moss transmission of its predecessors. It gained a wider body which allowed for more interior space and improved visibility courtesy of a single-piece wrap-around windshield. The new body used many XK120/140 pressings, the increased width being achieved by means of a 4-inch wide central fillet. Other visual differences including a broader radiator grille and a higher front wing line. Not as obvious were the Dunlop disc brakes which offered stopping power to match its straight-line speed.

The XK150 was introduced in the spring of 1957 and originally offered in fixed and drop head coupe forms. The open roadster followed a year later. The 3.4-liter engine offered nearly 200 horsepower, the same amount produced by the XK140. Overdrive and a Borg-Warner automatic gearbox were the transmission options, the latter becoming an increasingly popular choice - a Thornton Power-Lok limited-slip differential was available for the XK150S.

This particular example is finished in Pearl Grey with a red Connolly interior with a black convertible top. It was completed at Jaguar's Brown Lane, Coventry works in June of 1958. This Drophead Coupe was configured for the Canadian market as a left hand drive example. It was distributed through Jaguar of Eastern Canada with its first recorded owner being Mr. John Owens. The subsequent history is not fully known. The car was given a refurbishment by Louisiana based Tourist Trophy Garage in 2001, at which point the car was in the car of an individual from New Orleans. After the work was completed, the car earned Best in Class at the New Orleans British Car Day, and subsequently declared Best in Show. Since 2011, the car has resided in a prominent, mid-western based collection.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2016