1960 Jaguar XK150 3.8 Drophead Coupe

1960 Jaguar XK150 3.8 Drophead Coupe
Chassis no. S838620
Engine no. VA1377-8
3,781cc DOHC 6-Cylinder Engine
2 SU Carburetors
220bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission (see text)
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Dunlop Disc Brakes

*Desirable end-of-the-run 3.8-Liter XK150 Drophead Coupe
*Tastefully upgraded for the ultimate driving experience
*Expertly restored by marque specialists JK Restorations
*Veteran of several major rallies including the Holyland 1000 in Israel, Colorado Grand, Copperstate 1000 and California Mille

THE JAGUAR XK150

"The Jaguar XK150 is undeniably one of the world's fastest and safest cars. It is quiet and exceptionally refined mechanically, docile and comfortable... we do not know of any more outstanding example of value for money." - The Autocar

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-liter 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, replacing the XK140's divided screen. Cleverly, the new body used many XK120/140 pressings, the increased width being achieved by means of a 4"-wide central fillet. 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. Fade following repeated stops from high speed had been a problem of the earlier, drum-braked cars, but now 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 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. 'Special Equipment' and 'S' versions came with 210 and 250bhp respectively, the latter delivering an astonishing 0-60mph time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 136mph. This was achieved by the introduction of the Weslake-developed 'straight-port' cylinder head, high-compression pistons, triple 2" SU carburetors and twin electric fuel pumps.

In the autumn of 1959 the XK150 became available with the 3.8-liter engine first seen in the Mark IX saloon. 'Standard' (220bhp) or 'S' (265bhp) states of tune were offered and, in either form, the XK150's increased weight was more than offset by the power of the larger engine, the car regularly recording in excess of 130mph in magazine road tests.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Completed at the Browns Lane factory on January 5, 1960, and dispatched to Jaguar Cars New York 17 days later, this XK150 Drophead Coupe is a coveted 3.8-liter version, introduced in October 1959. It was originally finished in cream, with a red leather interior and a fully lined black convertible top. According to figures from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, it was the seventh left-hand drive XK150 DHC constructed for the 1960 model year, out of a total of 397 built. The car was originally sold to a G.F. Ploutz of Roscoe, Illinois. It was at one point in the ownership of a Mr. Leslie Rich of St. Louis, a Jaguar enthusiast who was the team dentist for several professional sports teams.

The XK150 was treated to a full, body-off restoration by JK Restorations of Oswego, Illinois. Jim Kakuska, who opened the shop in 1981, and his brother, Gary, who joined him five years later, are highly regarded marque specialists, and their cars have won a number of national first-place awards. All of the Jaguar's needs, mechanical and cosmetic, were addressed during the restoration. Paint, brightwork and panel fits are all first-rate.

With an eye toward greater usability, two thoughtful modifications have been made to the XK150. The original Moss four-speed gearbox has been replaced with a Medatronics JT5 five-speed, the product of a full-time transmission manufacturer that has been proven in use since 1995. The Medatronics unit employs the original Jaguar clutch and features a short-throw shifter.

The other modification has been to install a power steering unit from EZ Electric Power Steering, a Dutch company that has been in business for 12 years. This compact, electric unit is entirely hidden below the dashboard cover, and uses the Jaguar's factory steering gear, so is easily reversible to stock.

The consignor has made excellent use of the XK150's capabilities, entering the car in six major long-distance rallies since 2010, including the Holyland 1000 in Israel, Colorado Grand, Copperstete 1000 and California Mille. The vehicle is described as highly reliable, and ready for more adventures. This XK150 is offered with a certificate from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, the original tool set, manuals and the paint formula. A new clutch was recently fitted.

The XK150 is the ultimate refinement of a highly desired Jaguar XK model, particularly when equipped with the legendary 220bhp, 3.8-liter DOHC six. This example, beautifully finished in classic British Racing Green with a green leather interior from highly regarded specialists Bassett's, comes fully sorted and ready to be enjoyed.