Jaguar XK 150 (United Kingdom, 1957-1961)

Jaguar launched the sports car XK150 in 1957 and produced throughout the next four years. This car succeeded to the XK140 model, keeping a similarity with it and the previous XK120, although its mechanics are dramatically superior and more modern. There was only one XK150 version throughout its 4-year production period.

Launched in 1957, the Jaguar XK150 was the last model from the 1950’s successful XK series of Jaguar cars. The roadster XK150 joined the range in 1958. This highly updated XK model was produced at Jaguar’s Coventry plant, in England, until October 1960, although it kept being sold through 1961. End of production meant a total of 9382 Jaguar XK150 units.

The Jaguar XK150 was given a standard 3.4-liter engine with 180 hp, although the majority of the cars would receive an optional 210 hp SE engine. A 3.4-liter ‘S’ engine joined the available options in 1958, producing 250 hp.   The engines’ displacement capacity was enhanced to 3.8 liters, which allowed for the standard engine to produce 220 hp and the ‘S’ tuned engine to produce 265 hp. The latter, being the line-up’s most powerful unit, allows the XK150S (named after the ‘S’ engine) to reach 60 mi/h in 7 seconds and go on to a speed limit of 135 mi/h (217 km/h).   A standard 4-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic one were both available for the XK150.

  Platform
  Suspension
  Steering Rack and pinion.   Brakes Four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes. Purchasers could also order four-wheel drum brakes.

The coupe and convertible versions of the Jaguar XK150 were readily available when the car was introduced. Then a roadster form was added to the available body options. Production numbers state that Jaguar built 4445 XK150 coupes, 2672 convertibles and 2265 XK150 roadsters.   This car was the first of the XK range to have a one-piece windscreen. The car’s bonnet was also larger than the one on its predecessors’ front ends.