1958 Jaguar XK 150 S 3.4 Roadster

The XK120 was launched in 1948 and was an international sensation. The XK finally put Jaguar on the world stage and the racing derivatives would be the beginning of a hugely successful period for the company. The XK150 was the final incarnation of the XK and appeared in May 1957. A more refined and capable machine than its predecessors, the 150 was easily identifiable by its higher scuttle and door line, wider grille and improved interior space. However, the XK150 retained much of the mechanical layout of the XK140 sharing the same 3.4 litre DOHC Jaguar straight-six. The XK150S was introduced in 1958 and is widely regarded as the culmination of Jaguar's engineering achievements with the XK series. Indeed the specification of the XK150S undoubtedly paved the way for the E-Type that replaced it in 1961. The "S" boasted triple SU carburettors, a revised Harry Weslake-modified cylinder head and a manual 4-speed overdrive transmission. Performance was seriously impressive for 1958 with an enhanced output of 250bhp and a top speed of 132 mph. The vast majority of 150S roadsters were sold abroad, most likely a consequence of a turbulent British economy and equally turbulent weather forecast. This home market delivered right-hand drive XK 150S 3.4 Roadster is an extremely early example and was the 8th XK 150 Roadster off the production line. Production figures suggest only 9 home market XK150S Roadsters were built in 1958, with a further thirty-five in 1959. WXJ III was first registered on 19th December 1958 to a Mr R. Christopher of Buckinghamshire and has remained in a handful of private collections ever since. A copy of the factory build sheet and buff log book confirm the car's original registration number. The copy of the log book also states that the car was in Mr Christopher's ownership until 1976, when we believe it was purchased by Signor F. Majno of Milan. There are a number of original Italian documents proving his ownership, such as an Automotoclub Storico Italiano membership card and correspondence with the Ministero dei Trasporti. In 1990 this XK 150S was repatriated to the UK by a Mr Pressland and sold to a prolific Jaguar collector in August 1994. WXJ III then underwent a body-off restoration using some of the country's best known marque specialists. An impressive history file substantiates the entire restoration process with a healthy array of bills and receipts from Leaping Cats, Cambridge Motor Works and Guy Broad. In addition, a file of photographs documents every step of the restoration including bare chassis overhaul, engine rebuild, and all bodywork stages. WXJ III has covered only 6000 miles since the completion of its restoration in the late 1990s and is presented in excellent condition having recently been serviced. Following a recent road test by a Silverstone Auctions employee, all mechanicals were found to be in fine working order. The current owner bought the car in 2004 and has covered minimal mileage whilst storing the vehicle in a temperature controlled environment. It has been exhibited at the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust and featured in Jaguar World. Supplied with a current MoT test certificate, original XK 150S manuals and a highly detailed history file, this stunning XK 150S Roadster is an example of a 1950s British sports car that has truly been restored to its former glory. One of forty-four home-market examples manufactured, WXJ III is unquestionably an important piece of Jaguar history.