The 1958 Jaguar XK-150 S Roadster is a rare car and it’s a milestone car as well. The XK 150 S is lauded worldwide as an extraordinary and most desirable piece for any world class collection. The quality of manufacturing and engineering technology is extraordinary.
Following the XK 140 and the XK 120
The XK 140 came out as Jaguars top car in 1954. When production ended in 1957 there were a total of 8,884 produced. The XK 140 had a lot expected from it being the replacement for the hugely popular Jaguar XK 120. This was years after the popular Jaguar XK 120 came out back in 1948 at the London Auto Show.
The XK 120 Roadster was the first sports car from Jaguar since 1940 and the car had an impressive record in competition finishing at or near the top in over one dozen events. In fact, the Jaguar XK 120 was so well accepted, the company had to make provisions for larger scale production beginning in 1950.
The Jaguar XK 150
The Jaguar XK 150 model was a revision of the XK 120 and XK 140 models. Essentially, the XK 150 was the beneficiary from the development and innovations of the two earlier XK models going back to 1948.
The basic XK chassis was kept on the XK 150.. The XK 120/140 bodyshell was restyled with high flow through fender lines, a curved one piece windshield and a wider grille. The one piece windshield was very popular at that time. Interior changes included replacing the walnut veneer on the dashboard and door cappings with padded leather trim.
There were three different models of the Jaguar XK 150. These were the Jaguar Roadster, the Drophead Coupe and the Fixed Head Coupe. The latter two models came out in 1957 and the Roadster in 1958.
The automobile featured in this article is probably the fiercest of all the XK’s. This is the Jaguar XK 150 S Roadster. The car had a more higher tuned twincam engine. The engine also had different cylinder heads and three two-inch SU carburetors. The top speed of the XK 150 S was rated at 135 MPH. The Jaguar XK 150 S was only available with a manual transmission.
1958 Jaguar XK 150 S Specifications
The 1958 Jaguar XK 150 S was built with a 210 cubic inch Inline six cylinder engine with a rated horsepower of 250. The “S” engine had three two-inch SU carburetors. In 1959 the engine would change to a 231 cubic inch Inline six delivering 265 horsepower. While the “S” model featured in this article delivered 250 horses, the Standard model was rated at 190 horsepower.
As mentioned above, the transmission with the S models were four speed manuals with an overdrive option.. The Standard XK 150’s had three speed automatic Borg Warner transmissions available.
Brakes were four wheel Dunlop disc. This was a significant change from the XK 140’s four wheel drums. Wire wheels were an option on the Jaguar XK 150’s.
Front suspension was Independent by torsion bar & wishbone, anti-roll bar. Rear suspension was a live axle leaf spring.
Dimensions of the Jaguar XK 150 included a wheelbase of 102.0 inches, an overall outside length of 177.0 inches and a width of 64.5 inches.
Total Jaguar XK 150 production was 9,398 vehicles. There were 1,466 XK 150 S models built. and less than 1,000 were Open Two Seaters.
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A very good book regarding all of the XK models from 1948 to 1960 is… Jaguar XK120 XK140 XK150: Gold Portfolio 1948-1960 by author R.M. Clarke. Another book of interest is …Original Jaguar Xk: The Restorers Guide to Jaguar Xk120, Xk140 and Xk150 by author Phillip Porter and photographer Tim Andrew.
The Rare Jaguar XK 150 Collector Car
All Jaguar XK models are popular collector cars and they haven’t changed hands cheaply. The Jaguar Roadster is especially popular. The asking and selling prices below reflect mint condition vehicles and are as of this writing.
Several XK 120’s have sold in a range between $100,000 and $180,000. An XK 120 Special Equipment Roadster sold for a quarter of a million dollars.
We have seen XK 140 models with selling prices from $80,000 to the low $100,000 range. Some models have asking prices around $150,000.
Rain-X Weatherbeater Wiper Blade (Pack of 1)
In general the Jaguar XK 150 models have had asking prices in the $50,000 to $100,000 range depending on the particular model. Originality is key to price. You’ll most likely find the Roadsters priced the highest and of course the “S” models. The Jaguar XK 150 is admired worldwide as an extraordinary and desirable piece for collectors and for touring.
Jaguar parts are not difficult to find. The Jaguar collector will also find several businesses listed on the internet that specialize in Jaguar parts covering all three XK models, the 120, 140 and 150.
(Article and photos copyright 2014 AutoMuseumOnline)