XK150 was a statement of style, a symbol of power, and a testament to the engineering genius of its creators. From the moment it first graced the streets, this beautiful automobile turned heads and drew admiring glances from all who beheld its sleek and muscular lines.
Source: European Collectibles
Yet, the XK150 was more than just a feast for the eyes; beneath its captivating exterior lay a heart of raw power. The very essence of its being was defined by a robust and commanding engine, ready to unleash its potential at the slightest touch of the accelerator. With each press of the pedal, it effortlessly surged forward, solidifying its reputation as a true force to be reckoned with on the roads.
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Lyons turned to his trusted engineer, William Heynes, to lead the project. Heynes was a brilliant engineer who had worked on some of Jaguar’s most successful vehicles, including the XK120 and the C-Type. Together, Lyons and Heynes began designing what would eventually become the Jaguar XK150. The project was not without its challenges, however. Lyons and Heynes had set their sights high, and they knew that they would need to create something truly special to surpass their previous successes. They worked tirelessly, spending long hours in the factory and poring over sketches and blueprints until they had a design that they were both proud of. Finally, in 1957, the glorious novelty was unveiled to the world. The automobile was an instant sensation, with its sleek lines and powerful engine captivating drivers and enthusiasts alike. The new automobile featured a new, more powerful 3.4-liter engine, which was capable of reaching speeds of up to 135 mph. The XK150 gained widespread acclaim not only for its outstanding performance but also for its opulent interior. The luxurious leather seats and elegant yet functional dashboard were a true work of art in design. This remarkable vehicle quickly became one of the most coveted automobiles of its era. Despite its resounding success, Lyons and Heynes were far from complacent and continued to refine the design, introducing successive versions of the XK150 in subsequent years. In 1961, they unveiled the ultimate rendition of the car, the XK150 S. With a new 3.8-liter engine and improved suspension system, this model surpassed its predecessors in speed and agility. The fascinating story behind the creation of the XK150 underscores the profound impact of vision and hard work, serving as a timeless testament to the enduring allure of an exceptional sports car.
Source: Classic Driver
In 1959, the automobile entered its second series, which was initially launched in 1958. The second series brought about significant changes in technical specifications, interior, and exterior design, distinguishing it from its predecessor. Available in three body styles – coupe, drophead coupe, and roadster – the 1959 edition was equipped with a powerful 3.4-liter inline 6 engine. This engine delivered an impressive 210 horsepower and 231 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission featuring overdrive. As a result, the car achieved improved fuel efficiency and reduced engine noise at higher speeds. With its top speed reaching 124 mph and a remarkable 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 8.5 seconds, the 1959 model demonstrated outstanding performance capabilities. The interior of the 1959 Xrelease was largely unchanged from the previous model years. It featured leather upholstery and a wooden dashboard with classic Jaguar instruments. However, a few updates were made in terms of comfort and convenience. The seats were now wider and more comfortable, and the cabin was more spacious than the previous models. The car also had improved heating and ventilation systems. In terms of exterior, the 1959 edition had some notable changes from the previous version. The automobile had a more aerodynamic body design with a lower hood and a wider grille. The headlights were also lower and had a more streamlined appearance. The rear part had a more squared-off design, and the rear fender line was more pronounced. The automobile had a longer wheelbase than the previous models, which improved stability and handling. Compared to the previous model years, the 1959 version had several improvements in terms of performance, comfort, and design. The engine was upgraded to produce more power, and the transmission was improved with the addition of overdrive. The cabin was more spacious and comfortable, and the vehicle had improved heating and ventilation systems. The exterior design had a more aerodynamic and streamlined appearance with a wider grille and lower hood. The car also had a longer wheelbase, which improved stability and handling. Overall, the 1959 edition was a remarkable sports vehicle that combined performance, comfort, and classic British design. It had several improvements over the previous model years, and its technical specifications, interior and exterior design made it a popular choice among sports driving enthusiasts.
Source: Bring a Trailer
The 1959 Jaguar XK150 was featured in the opening sequence of the famous action-adventure film “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” (2001) starring Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft. The car was driven by the villain of the film, played by Iain Glen.
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