Description
When Jaguar unveiled the XK120 at the London Motor Show in October 1948, the stunning two-seat Roadster caused a sensation. The attraction was obvious: Jaguar had created arguably the best-looking sports car on the market and, thanks to a powerful new straight six engine under the hood, the aerodynamically-styled machine would likely be the fastest production car in the world.
Although originally conceived purely to help publicise Jaguar’s state-of-the-art dual overhead camshaft engine, the XK120’s reception convinced the firm to put it into production. Eight months later, the first cars began to roll out of Jaguar’s Coventry factory.
Over the next five years, 12, 000 XK120s were delivered in a combination of Open Two Seat Roadster (OTS), Fixed Head Coupe (FHC) and Drop Head Coupe (DHC) body styles. The model also scored a number of significant competition victories and set a variety of international speed records.
In late 1954, the XK120 was replaced by the XK140 which ushered in a number of cosmetic and mechanical updates.
By 1957, although the XK platform was nearing the end of its production life, there was still time for one final iteration: the XK150.
The ‘150’ was the most refined XK yet. The majority of updates focused on the exterior and interior. However, the addition of disc brakes was also a major advancement.
The XK150 was launched in May 1957 and initially came in a choice of FHC and DHC body styles. An OTS Roadster joined the line up ten months later in March 1958. From October 1959, Jaguar also offered a larger 3. 8-litre engine which, like the 3. 4, came in several alternative states of tune.
This stunning XK150 has been subject to a fantastic restoration which was completed in 2017 and presents and drives as you would hope, the chronology and detail of the restoration is fantastic and it is supported by a Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate confirming the matching numbers of the chassis and engine. It has also benefited from some essential upgrades to help you hustle this elegant and beautiful car along, these include power steering and also a 5 speed gear box. Also there is an electric choke and fuel octane selector switch to help further. The dynamo has been replaced with an alternator too which has been designed to look like the original part.
485VXT was delivered to Jaguar Cars New York in July 1958 in its original colour Black and was imported to the UK in 2022 so it could be enjoyed by its one and only UK keeper on special journeys. In the last 50 miles the XK has been treated to a service, new fuel pump and carburettor overhaul so is in great shape and drives as you would hope.
There is a superb file showing the body restoration, detailed breakdowns and costings of the work, along with the invoices for the engine rebuild components. The work was carried out by Britsport of Seattle. Also there is an original handbook and sales brochures too. A truly special and glorious car.
