1960 Jaguar XK150S 3.4-Litre Roadster, Registration no. GSU 293 Chassis no. T832100DN Engine no. VS 2127-8

* Delivered new to France
* Left-hand drive
* Manual/overdrive transmission
* An older restoration
* Present ownership for at least 30 years
* Recently professionally re-commissioned

'The 3.4-litre Jaguar Engine is one of the marvels of the age. In racing tune, it achieves tremendous speeds, and in normal form it powers a range of cars from six-seater luxury models to the sports XK types. Now, a "hotter" version of this basic engine has been made available, and it is used in the ultra-high speed XK 150S two-seaters.' – John Bolster, Autosport.

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, 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 carburettors and twin electric fuel pumps. Overdrive and a Borg-Warner automatic gearbox were the transmission options, the latter becoming an increasingly popular choice, while a Thornton Powr-Lok limited-slip differential was available for the XK150S. Steel wheels remained the standard fitting, though XK150s so equipped are a great rarity, as most were sold in SE (Special Equipment) specification with centre-lock wire wheels. The much-admired chromed Jaguar mascot was made available as an optional extra on an XK for the first time.

Bolster concluded his review thus: 'It combines extreme performance with perfect manners to a quite exceptional degree, and it has a sporting appearance that is entirely suitable for the most formal occasions. Being a Jaguar, it is really hardly necessary to remark that it represents outstanding value for money.'

Equipped with desirable manual/overdrive transmission, left-hand drive chassis number 'T832100DN' was delivered new to France before moving to Canada later in the 1960s. It was restored in Canada in the 1980s and imported into the UK by the lady vendor in 1988. Off the road in storage since circa 2008, the car has recently been professionally re-commissioned and MoT'd, and is described as in generally good condition, with very good bodywork. Finished in red with black leather interior, this most desirable of XK150 variants is offered with a V5 Registration Document.