Jaguar XK150 3.8 LITRE

About the Jaguar XK150 3.8 LITRE

The Jaguar XK150 is a sports car produced by Jaguar between 1957 and 1961. It replaced the XK140.

Initially it was available in Fixed Head Coupé (FHC) and Drophead Coupé (DHC) versions. The Roadster (XK150 OTS - Open Two-Seat) was launched in 1958. Minimal rear seats were fitted in the coupés.

Although bearing a strong family resemblance to the XK120 and XK140, the XK150 was radically revised. A one-piece windscreen replaced the split screen, and the wing line no longer dropped so deeply at the doors. The car was lower and the interior was 4 inches wider. At the rear the slightly humped back appearance of the XK120 and 140 was replaced by a smoother look. The widened bonnet opened down to the wings, and on the Roadster the windscreen frame was moved back 4 inches (102 mm) to make the bonnet longer, and it was fitted with disc brakes on all four wheels. Gearbox options were the Moss four speed manual or a 3 speed automatic.

Suspension and chassis were very similar to the XK140, and steering was by rack and pinion; power steering was not offered.

It was in 1959 that the Jaguar 3.8 litre engine was put into production and fitted to the XK150. In S specification form with the improved breathing head and triple SU carburettors, etc, the car was capable of 136 mph.

Iron block and alloy head
Four speed manual
Suspension - front independent by wishbones, torsion bars, anti-roll bar. Rear : live axle, semi elliptic springs and telescopic dampers.
Steering : rack and pinion
Brakes - all round discs