1960 Jaguar XK-150

Jaguar's final incarnation of the 'XK' series of sports cars arrived in 1957, dubbed the XK150. It retained the same chassis characteristics of the XK120 and XK140, including the 3.4-liter engine and four-speed Moss transmission, with progressive development resulting in a new, wider body that offered increased interior space, comfort, and improved visibility thanks to a single-piece wrap-around windscreen, replacing the XK140's split screen. The new body employed many XK120/140 pressings, including increased width achieved by means of a 4-inch wide central fillet. Other changes included a broader radiator grille and a higher front wing line. Performance improved with the help of Dunlop disc brakes, offering stopping power to match its straight-line speed.

The Jaguar XK150 was introduced in the spring of 1957 and was originally available in fixed and drophead coupe forms. An open roadster version was added to the lineup the following year. The 190 horsepower produced by the XK150 matched that of the XK140. 'Special Equipment' and 'S' versions came with 210 and 250bhp respectively. This increase was the result of the Weslake-developed 'straight-port' cylinder head, triple 2-inch SU carburetors, twin electric fuel pumps, and high-compression pistons. Transmission options including an overdrive and a Borg-Warner automatic gearbox, with the Borg-Warner being an increasingly popular choice. The XK150 'S' could be purchased with a Thornton Power-Lok limited-slip differential. Most 'SE' (Special Equipment) wore center-locking wire wheels, though steel wheels remained the standard fitting. For the first time, the chromed Jaguar mascot was offered as optional equipment.

The Mark IX saloon was the first to use the 3.8-liter engine, and in the autumn of 1959, it became available in the XK150. 'Standard' (220bhp) or 'S' (265bhp) states of tune were offered, with the 'S' version being offered with overdrive as standard.

For 1960, the XK150 was priced from $4,500 for the roadster and rose to nearly $5,200 for the 2+2 convertible. Production came to an end in October of 1960 with 2,265 roadsters, 2,672 drophead coupes, and 4,445 fixed head coupes. The following year, Jaguar introduced the E-Type XK-E as a replacement for the XK150.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019