1959 Jaguar XK150 Coupe

There were fewer than 200 examples of the 150S 3.4 Coupe produced. This particular example was constructed on January 12, 1959, and was originally shipped to Jaguar Cars New York. It left the factory painted in Pearl Grey over red and sold to Ray Milland of Beverly Hills, California. It is believed that this car participated in several local competitions, including the Valley Touring Society's 1963 Time Trials, the 1964 Litre Bug Twist slalom and the Santa Barbara Road Races held on September 6, 1964.

The car's next owner was Mr. Billeter who would retain the car for the next four decades.

In 2009, the car was given a nut-and-bolt restoration with no expenses spared. The car was completely disassembled and stripped to bare metal so that any necessary bodywork could be performed. Upon completion, it was painted in its original light gray livery.

The engine is fitted with the rare 'S' head and three SU carburetors. The dual overhead cam six-cylinder engine is capable of producing 250 horsepower which is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive. There are chrome wire wheels and period-correct Firestone whitewall tires.

In 2010, this XK150S 3.4 Fixed Head Coupe was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $115,000 - $145,000 but failed to find a buyer willing to satisfy its reserve. The lot left the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2010