Sold 1959 Jaguar XK-150S Roadster 2146353012 Tweet

1959 Jaguar XK150S Roadster
s/n T831474DN, Engine No. VS1456-9
Cream with Biscuit Leather Interior

When Jaguar launched the stunning XK120, the motoring public and press raved over the power and presence of these beautiful cars. As years evolved, the XK150 became the final evolution of the much-lauded XK 120 and 140 models. The XK150 featured an all-new and wider body, offering greater interior room, blended front fenders, smoother body surfacing, and with the windscreen moved back to allow for a larger hood, an even more sporting profile. The XK150 delivered the finishing touches to a decade-long run of design brilliance.

The highly desirable S roadster was even more special than the standard XK150 offering. The S model featured a smooth, one-piece wrap around windscreen void of side vent glass and accented by beautiful chrome trimmed side glass. This sweeping trim line captured the canvas top and blended smoothly into the windscreen, creating a fully enclosed interior that could be quickly converted into a roadster simply by rolling down the windows and stowing the top. A small interior cover elegantly capped the rear deck in matching trim color. The exterior was further devoid of excess chrome, save for two delicate chrome S emblems along the upper leading edge of each door.

Fewer than 900 XK150S left hand drive examples were built. In addition to the exterior design changes, the 150S offered a significant performance advantage over the base model, sporting three 2 inch SU carburetors, a straight-port head, upgraded camshafts, overdrive, and a lightened flywheel. Late-production XKs were further equipped with Le Mans-proven Dunlop disc brakes. The resultant advances produced the fastest, safest, and most comfortable sporting GT cars available at the time.

This handsome left-hand-drive XK150S was dispatched from Jaguar October 14th, 1958 as confirmed by its Heritage Certificate. Jaguar Cars of New York took delivery of the car, finished in cream with red upholstery and a black canvas top. The first known owner was Mario Riedmann of Alkali Lake, British Columbia, who purchased the car directly from Jaguar Cars, New York. After a series of owners (most of whom were in Canada) this rare S model XK150 found a new owner who commissioned a comprehensive restoration from renowned Jaguar experts at Classic Showcase, Oceanside, CA. In 2013, shortly after the restoration was completed, the current owner purchased the car, using it sparingly over the past four years.

During the restoration, the body was stripped to bare metal, carefully sorting all metal work as needed, then properly prepared for primer, sealer, paint, base, clear coat, and finally, color sanded and buffed to a high quality finish. The original matching numbers engine was rebuilt to factory specifications, while an upgraded 5-speed transmission was fitted in order to improve long-distance touring without compromising the 3.4 liter engine. The clutch and hydraulic systems were restored, and a new, correct wiring loom was fitted. The radiator and gas tank have both been replaced, while the suspension components and rear end have been restored using original finishes and particular care being given to the Dunlop disc brakes and calipers. Brightwork was replated and the door glass was replaced. A new properly tailored upholstery and correct canvas top were fitted. The Cream paint is accented over Biscuit interior with properly matching top, carpets, and trim. This entire process has been documented and recorded on DVD, which is included with the car. The 150S models have become among the most highly prized Jaguars of the 1950s, in part due to their excellent driving manners, but also their sensuous presence and sporting design.

Today this handsome XK150S presents in excellent condition, having recently been tended to by Berkeley Jaguar authority Jim Groom. The clutch slave cylinder was replaced, starter rebuilt, and brakes serviced. The exterior of the car shows excellent paint and chrome, still retaining the high gloss and luster from the restoration performed roughly six years ago. The panel fit is very nice throughout. The doors, hood, and trunk all open and shut with excellent fit and closure. The grill, trim, and windscreen chrome are also in excellent visual condition with no major scuffs or scratches. The lighting and lenses are also beautifully finished. The car wears a set of chrome plated wire wheels with Dunlop tires showing no curb rash, excellent tread remaining, and very nice plating throughout. The interior surfaces are in excellent condition with no significant signs of wear. Carpet is in good condition overall with minor edge wear at the doorsills and some light wear in the drivers foot-well area. Durable plastic floor mats have been installed, reducing carpet wear. The dashboard and surrounding door trim are very nicely finished with excellent fit and correct installation. The instruments in particular have been beautifully restored with nice contrasting dial faces and very nice brightwork trim accenting the dashboard and instruments. The steering wheel is very nicely finished with excellent gloss, though showing a few stress cracks in the gloss finish. Behind the seats, the rear compartment has been properly finished with correct materials. The tan canvas top drops down smoothly and stows easily in the rear section, popping up in position and latching smoothly to the windscreen. Overall the interior is in excellent condition, showing just minor signs of thoughtful use since the restoration was completed.

The engine compartment is beautifully finished with proper polishing on the factory aluminum castings, correct gloss finishes on assorted black parts, and correct pumpkin engine color for this series. While some time has passed since the restoration was completed, the evidence of excellence persists when viewing the engine compartment adorned by proper finishes, correct fasteners, and attention to originality. Viewing the underside of the car, one clearly can see the attention to detail afforded during the restoration process as all areas underside are very nicely presented and in correct finishes. While some evidence of road use is evident, the car still retains very nice underside detailing and appropriate care, properly given by the current owner.

With a flip of the switch and just a moments pause for priming, the engine bursts to life. Engine idle is smooth as operating temperature comes up, ready for driving. The clutch engages easily, aided by the recently replaced slave cylinder, while all gears operate smoothly as one might expect from contemporary and delightful 5 speed gearbox. The triple carburetors boast their merit in the mid to upper revs as the car continues to pull hard on acceleration, revealing Jaguars racing heritage. Shifting through all five gears, one enjoys the exhilarating sensation of speed coupled with crisp downshifting, while gently tapping the Dunlop disc brakes (available only on these later production S models). Braking is smooth and in keeping with technology of the period and road manners are particularly nice a testimony to the final iteration of these cars. The car comes with a tool roll and tools, correct jack, and mallet, ownership documents, and a DVD documenting the restoration.

A truly handsome and rare XK150S, this professionally restored example presents all the desirable performance and braking advances that put the finishing touches on an already ground-breaking Jaguar. Delivered with the S package and ready for enjoyable driving, this XK150 is surely at home touring the quaint roadways or open highways, pausing to participate in a gathering or concours. This exceptional XK150S will delight the next fortunate owner with a motoring experience only a vintage Jaguar can deliver.