Jaguar XK150 3.4 Roadster 1958 - World Of Classic Cars -

Jaguar XK150 3.4 Roadster 1958

As the ultimate expression of Jaguar’s XK series cars, the XK150 was the natural product of continual improvements to the lineage, as well as the marque’s brilliant competition record. It continued to offer the spirited performance and luxurious appointments that Jaguar’s customers had come to know and love about the cars from Coventry. Four-wheel disc brakes, an enlarged radiator opening, a revised cylinder head, and enhanced passenger room marked the most significant improvements. The low-cut door lines of the XK120 and XK140 were discarded for a more conservative shape, whilst the basic XK chassis remained, albeit with an upgraded 3.4-litre twin-cam six as standard equipment. Inside, all models received a padded dash top, softer and wider seats, and a windscreen that wrapped around the cockpit.

Jaguar XK150 3.4 Roadster 1958

In addition to the drop head coupé and fixed head coupé models that were originally offered, a lighter, more sporting roadster was added to the line-up later in 1958. Furthermore, buyers could specify an SE model, which added 20 more horsepower, to raise the 3.4-litre engine’s output to 210 horsepower. For the driving enthusiast, the most desirable example would have been the more powerful SE engine coupled with the roadster body and wire wheels, in order to combine the thrill of open-air motoring along with all the power that Jaguar could muster from the silky smooth and race-proven XK engine.

Jaguar XK150 3.4 Roadster 1958

This XK150 3.4 Roadster was dispatched from the factory to Jaguar Cars of New York on New Year’s Eve in 1958, and it was subsequently delivered to a S. Millard, who resided in Maryland, according to its JHDT Certificate of Authenticity. In 2009, it was fully restored to incredible standards in its original colour scheme of Cream over a Red leather interior. The owner also opted to make several additional upgrades to the car in order to make the car more drivable, which included a Getrag five-speed manual gearbox, electrohydraulic power steering supplied by specialists at M&C Wilkinson, and upgraded brakes with four-piston callipers. This impeccable example has travelled under 1,500 miles since the completion of its restoration.

Jaguar XK150 3.4 Roadster 1958

As the last of the fabled series of sporting Jaguars that started with the XK120, the XK150 represents the end of an era. XK150s are noticeably more refined and sophisticated than their older siblings, and they are excellent automobiles for touring. As a factory-equipped SE Roadster, this was undoubtedly the ultimate XK150 available in 1958.