1957 XK150: Jaguar Leap

1957 XK150: Jaguar Leap

Engine Inline 6Horsepower193 PS (190 bhp) (142 kW)at 5500 RPMTorque285 Nm (210 ft·lb) (29.1 kg m)at 2500 RPMEngine LocationFrontDrive TypeRWDWeight1473 kg | 3247 lbsF/R Brakes DiscTransmission4-speed manual

Exclusive brands of classic cars excite our consciousness and cause the brightest dreams and the desire to conquer this world for the sake of owning them. One such outstanding vehicle is the famous Jaguar XK150 sports roadster.

Source: Supercars.net

In general, speaking about the XK150, it should be noted that in a sense it was overshadowed. Two reasons for that should be mentioned: first of all, the roadster was the last model of the famous XK series and was considered somehow old-fashioned and a “distortion” of the design of this series. Secondly, it was replaced by the spectacular E-type, which later became the epitome of sports cars. Even though the XK150 was outdated, several interesting improvements made it competitive. The main and most important update made to the car was the disc brakes on all wheels and the 3.8-liter version of the engine it got. Also, several exterior changes were made: the low door line on the XK120 and XK140 was ditched in favor of a higher waistline which made the car look heavier and more awkward. The radiator lining has also become much wider.

The origins

Source: Pendine Historic Cars

After the release of the XK120 and XK140, which were quite similar, it became necessary to continue the XK racing car series with something new, both in terms of power characteristics and in terms of design. The presentation of the new automobile took place on May 22, 1957. The car was called the Jaguar XK150 and was not like the previous models of its series, distinguished by many internal and external elements. However, initial sales were slower than previous models. In February 1957, the Browns Lane plant caught fire (shortly before the car was announced) and it took time to restore production capacity. The new racing car of 1957 received a complex curved single-piece windshield, the instrument panel, and the entire front area under the windshield became made of leather (on early versions of the roadster aluminum was partially used), and the interior space was expanded due to changes in the wings. The radiator grille and hood were also changed, and the glazing area was increased. Initially, the brand decided to present the roadster in only two bodies: Fixed Head Coupe and Jaguar XK150 DropHead Coupe, but in1958, the Jaguar XK150 Open Two Seater was added. Each body had some minor differences.

The 1957 model year

Source: Classic Driver

In 1957, as mentioned earlier, a coupe and convertible were available. It was the most luxurious vehicle of all produced automobiles with an XK index. The rounded radiator grille, and the high line of the wings markedly distinguished this model. Pete Davis, the American head of FIAT designers, noted that this automobile’s obedient and compact forms were more complete than other sports cars of the company. The lines of the automobile turned out without excessive muscularity and other stylistic exaggerations. Careful expensive finishes emphasized the direction of the model to compete with the Mercedes-Benz 300SL and BMW 507: in addition to the radio, a built-in Philips player for small-diameter phonograph records was offered. It cost £1940, while for the US market the price was $4800, and still, it was cheaper than competitors’ similar vehicles. However, the increased comfort and the ability to seat two small children behind were accompanied by an increase in weight: the roadster coupe weighed 130 kg more than the XK120. It was not surprising that with a base engine with 190 hp the coupe accelerated to 96 km/h in only 11 seconds. It was possible to order another version with an engine of the same volume, 3.4 liters, but with a power of 210 hp and increased torque. Jaguar engineers perfectly realized that customers welcome comfort, and would not want to put up with losses in dynamics. Thus, from 1959 they offered the sporty option, called the XK150 S. 

Did you know?

Source: Jaguarrules

The sex symbol of America, the famous Hollywood cowboy, and simply handsome Clint Eastwood was an avid car lover and an owner of this model. He always had a place in his garage for another trendy automobile to cherish. Not surprisingly, the model also found its place in the Eastwood collection.

Contact us if you have this or another classic car to sell.

1957 XK150: Jaguar Leap

Engine Inline 6Horsepower193 PS (190 bhp) (142 kW)at 5500 RPMTorque285 Nm (210 ft·lb) (29.1 kg m)at 2500 RPMEngine LocationFrontDrive TypeRWDWeight1473 kg | 3247 lbsF/R Brakes DiscTransmission4-speed manual

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