Beschreibung:

The XK 150 is the ultimate expression of Jaguar's XK series. Introduced in 1957, it continued until superseded by the E-type in 1961 with some 9,382 examples being built of which only 2,172 were lefthand drive "open two seater" models. Increasingly "civilized" with creature comforts, the cat's claws were still evident in the increasingly powerful dual overhead camshaft six-cylinder Jag engine. The roadster version is the rarest XK 150 model, now with rollup windows and thorough weather protection to make it the ideal vehicle for a day's enjoyment or a long trip through variable weather but still retaining the traditional roadster's window sill dip and top that was fully enclosed when retracted for an especially attractive profile. Revisions to the bodywork retained the traditional XK look but made a number of changes, primarily to add interior room for the driver and passenger. The revised fender line made room for a wider cowl and windshield and fed into thinner doors that much improved comfort. Jaguar adopted the disc brakes which had so dramatically demonstrated their effectiveness in the C-types at Le Mans, improving not only braking performance but also the XK 150's marketing. It is an appealing, comfortable, high performance car that retained the XK's predictable live rear axle handling in Sir William Lyons' classic "leaping cat" coachwork. Mike Amalfitano began a restoration of this 1958 XK 150 Roadster (or "Open Two Seater" as it's officially known by Jaguar) almost as soon as he bought it. As it progressed, however, so did its specifications. Chassis revisions including shocks, springs and radius arms for better handling also led to adopting smaller diameter highly polished wire wheels that could take advantage of more modern tires. An electric-powered power steering system was added for more enjoyable low speed driving. The engine was built by Jaguar specialist Phillips Garage in Birmingham, England and its specifications were steadily upped until it reached the ultimate 3.8 liter "S" type, and beyond, including a trio of Weber 45 DCOE carburetors, 10.5:1 Cosworth pistons, straight port cylinder head with 1.875" intake valves and Kent heavy duty springs, balanced crank, lightened flywheel, XJ6 oil pump and sump and electronic ignition. One of the XK's vulnerabilities, engine cooling, was thoroughly addressed with a custom aluminum radiator, a fabricated aluminum overflow tank and an electric fan. The original engine was retained and is included with the lot, as is the original gearbox. The cosmetics were done in 2002-3 by Automotive Restorations in Stratford, Connecticut, including the outstanding deep, rich black livery over meticulous bodywork preparation. The interior is upholstered and trimmed in soft, supple tan leather with leather-bound beige carpets, all fitted and stitched impeccably. A beautiful classic-style steering wheel with four polished spokes and a generously sized laminated wooden rim completes the interior. The workmanship, both cosmetic and mechanical, is to the highest standards. It has seen only limited use since it was completed and has always been maintained to very high standards, ready to be fired up and driven at any time. Although badged as an "S", it is not, but its appearance and performance is in every way up to, or better than, that of the finest 3.8 liter XK 150 S. On a hot summer day with the six Weber throats reverberating with the echo of each intake valve's opening and closing and the over-designed cooling system keeping the temp gauge off its peg this 1958 Jaguar XK 150 Roadster will be appreciated for the superbly built, maintained and presented driver's car that Mike Amalfitano intended. Without reserve