1959 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupe

The XK120 was launched in 1948 and it was an international sensation. The XK finally put Jaguar on the world stage and the success of their various racing derivatives would see the beginning of a hugely successful period for the company. The XK150 was the final incarnation of the XK and it appeared in May 1957. It was a more refined and capable machine than its predecessors. The 150 was easily identifiable by its higher scuttle and door line, the wider grille and improved interior space. However, the XK150 retained much of the well proven mechanical layout of the XK140, this included the same 3.4 litre DOHC Jaguar straight-six, which developed 180bhp at 5750rpm. As before with the XK range, standard (steel wheel) and special equipment models were available, but a bewildering range of models was to evolve. Firstly, in 1958, was the 'S' model, it was equipped to "special equipment' specification and came with a more powerful engine, though still of 3.4 litre capacity. Late in 1959 further options became available with the introduction of the 3.8 litre engine and the XK150 was available not only in 3.4 litre versions, but two versions (normal and "S") of the 3.8 variety. A total of 2,200 XK 150 Drophead Coupe models were made, of which 85% were sold to America, 10% to the rest of the world and only 5% to the UK Market.

This beautiful XK150 Drophead Coupe is finished in red with cream leather interior. The car was subject to considerable expenditure during the late 1980s, which is substantiated by photographs in the history file. During the restoration the coupe bodywork was skilfully adapted to drophead specification and painted in its current colour combination. The history file contains a number of bills and receipts for work carried out, there are also old MoT test certificates and a copy of the car's original buff log book which details the very first owners of this particular car.

835 UMC is a highly useable XK150, offering superb value for money and providing sumptuous open top motoring with effortless grand touring capabilities.