1958 Jaguar XK150S Roadster

A progressive development of the sensational XK120 and XK140, the XK150 retained the same basic chassis, 3.4-litre engine and 4-speed Moss transmission of its predecessors but, partly due to the growing US demand for more comfortable and refined sports cars, benefitted from an entirely new body providing 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 prodigious 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 (OTS) version not appearing until the following year.

At 190bhp, the engine's maximum power output was identical to that of the XK140, so performance was little changed, but ‘Special Equipment' and 'S' versions offered 210bhp and 250bhp respectively, the latter delivering an astonishing 0-60mph time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 136mph. This improvement in performance resulted from the adoption of a Weslake-developed, straight-port cylinder head, high-compression pistons, triple 2” SU carburettors and twin electric fuel pumps. Overdrive and a Borg-Warner automatic gearbox were the transmission options, the latter becoming an increasingly popular choice, whilst a Thornton Power-Lok limited-slip differential was available for the 150S.

In the early months of production, the vast majority of XK150S 3.4-litre Roadsters were headed for the USA in order to fulfil bulging order books, as is the case with S830475DN, on offer here. It's one of the 844 left hand drive, 3.4-litre 150S Roadsters ever built and was first registered in May 1958 prior to being delivered to a Mr. Remington of Palm Beach, USA in left-hand drive with the super smooth 3.4-litre, straight-six engine that remains in the car today. It subsequently changed hands after a few years to a well known tyre specialist in Fort Lauderdale who kept the car for the next 25 years and had it professionally maintained by Mike Starcevic of Star Jaguar. Mike was to become the man who developed the Jaguar service and repair network across the USA, so the car could not have been in better hands.

Upgraded with a 5-speed gearbox as early as 2003 by its third owner, John Lewis, the continuous service history was maintained with Star Jaguar. They also repainted the car at this point in Indigo Blue and reupholstered the interior in tan leather. In 2007, the XK was acquired by an American client, well known to Silverstone Auctions, a Mr. Ross Ahlgren, who took the Jaguar to his holiday home in Mallorca where it lived for the next eight years and was regularly used for tours and Concours events.

Sold to the current private owner in 2015, the XK continued it’s outstanding and detailed history (all present and correct in the accompanying file) returning to the UK where it then received a comprehensive restoration at marque specialist, Brian Windle. Everything was attended to in great detail and the car today positively shines in all areas.

Sensible upgrades were also made at this time as the car was to be used for European touring events. These include the fitting of power-assisted steering, an LCB exhaust manifold and an extra large radiator designed for sunnier climes, all of which added to the 5-speed gearbox to improve the driving experience, particularly over long distances.

Today it is 'on the button' and ready to use having been consistently maintained by the very best in the business. It also comes with an outstanding history file and an exceptional known provenance from new. This is probably the best XK150S we have ever had the pleasure to offer for sale so please come and admire the real beauty of this car for yourself. It's with us now in Warwickshire and can be seen at any point prior to the sale, or at The Classic at Silverstone Sale.