1958 Jaguar XK150 SE

What would turn out to be the final and finest incarnation of Jaguar's revered XK series of sports cars arrived in 1957.

Little Richard was rocking the airwaves, Elvis purchased Graceland and Slinky’s and hula hoops were outselling milk and bread but the arrival of the new Jaguar XK150 brought a double-breasted-in-tweed with contrasted leather driving glove elegance to the world’s roads

An evolution of the race-bred XK120 and XK140, the XK150 retained the same proven chassis, lightweight alloy bonnet and boot, rev 3.4 litre engine and four-speed Moss transmission of its predecessors but featured an all new, wider and more assertive body that provided increased interior space and enhanced drivability - drawn from Jaguar’s winning philosophy of Grace, Pace and Space.

Another important development applied to the XK150 was the adoption of Dunlop disc brakes. The very same used on the Le Mans winning C-Type of 1953 giving the driver increased confidence to navigate the city and equally thread winding tree lined country roads.

Despatched August 21st, 1958 to Jaguar Cars of New York, USA available here is a rare Jaguar XK150 Roadster ‘Special Equipment Model’ offered in Regency Red over Red Connolly leather trim.

The rarest and arguably most beautiful XK150 produced, this particular car is made all the more exceptional being an SE, fitted from factory with optional wire wheels, Dunlop disc brakes and higher horsepower engine producing 210hp over the standard 190hp unit.

Benefitting from a total chassis up restoration with conversion to right hand drive in the early 1990’s, the body, engine, transmission and running gear were all professionally re-built.

The exterior condition of this car is excellent. The panel fit and finish is arrow straight, any handle, seal or bezel has been expertly refurbished and even the smallest factory parts still feature like the “Made In England” badge beneath the bonnet. A detail sign of a well maintained car.

Inside, the Connolly leather seats still feel firm to the touch, the hand stitched leather dash is filled with the finest and correct mohair, the crystal clear instrument binnacle holds the correct Smiths dials and the original Bakelite steering wheel carries a fine patina. Stepping through the large door apertures into the racy, cockpit style interior this XK150 SE feels extra special.

Accompanying the car is a swathe of invoicing detailing works completed over the last half-century, photographs of the entire restorative process, Jaguar owner’s manuals and the Jaguar Heritage certificate detailing build year and the original specification.

Rarely found in such beautiful condition this low production and excellently well prepared Jaguar XK150 Roadster hails from a purple patch era of automotive design that will never be reiterated.

Offering not just an exciting opportunity to own and drive the pinnacle of Jaguars early, legendary XK series that used race-bred technology from a winning Le Mans program, this turn-key car also offers great investment potential as demand and prices continue to climb around the world for the rarest examples.