Jaguar XK

XK150 3.8-Litre Drophead Coupé

1960 Jaguar XK150 3.8-Litre Drophead Coupé

Chassis no. S838700DN
Engine no. VA1550-9

*Original left hand drive delivery
*One of a mere 264 examples of 3.8-litre dropheads with overdrive
*Older extensive restoration
*Fitted with power assisted steering

What would turn out to be the final glorious incarnation of Jaguar's fabulous 'XK' series of sports cars arrived in 1957. As its nomenclature suggests, the XK150 was a progressive development of the XK120 and XK140, retaining the same basic chassis, 3.4-litre engine and four-speed Moss transmission of its predecessors while benefiting from a new, wider body that provided increased interior space and improved visibility courtesy of a single-piece wrap-around windscreen. A higher front wing line and broader radiator grille were other obvious differences, but the new model's main talking point was its Dunlop disc brakes: at last the XK had stopping power to match its straight-line speed.

Introduced in the spring of 1957, the XK150 was available at first only in fixed and drophead coupé forms, the open roadster version not appearing until the following year. At 190bhp, the standard 3.4-litre engine's maximum power output was identical to that of the XK140 so performance was little changed. Overdrive and a Borg-Warner automatic gearbox were the transmission options, the latter becoming an increasingly popular choice. For 1960 the XK150 became available with the 3.8-litre, 220bhp engine first seen in the Jaguar Mark IX saloon. In this form the XK150's increased weight was more than offset by the power of the larger engine, the '3.8' regularly recording in excess of 130mph in magazine road tests.

Representing the XK150 in its ultimate configuration, with the 3.8-litre engine straight 6 cylinder, with 2 x SU Carburettors and overdrive gearbox, this example comes with a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate revealing that it was manufactured as a drophead coupé and delivered new to Jaguar Cars, New York, USA finished in British Racing Green. The car forms part of the Alain Dominique Perrin Collection and is Mr Perrin's favourite car and he has owned four or five over the years. This one benefits from extensive refurbishment, the engine and gearbox having been overhauled, the overdrive replaced, the grey leather interior restored and the car repainted in blue (in 2007-2008). It has also been fitted with the agreeable but easily reversible option of power assisted steering. Currently displaying a total of 70,970 miles (approximately 114,200 kilometres) on the odometer, this well cared for XK150 is offered with a condition report (2013), French Carte Grise and Contrôle Technique (issued June 2015). The car currently holds a UK registration (since 2015). VAT UK

In recent years the car has been kept in great driving condition and certainly looks and runs great. The car can be viewed in our workshop in Haarlem the Netherlands. Please do not hesitate to contact us on office@stradaecorsa.com or +31(0) 23 5420009