Like seemingly any performance vehicle with an “S” after its name, this 1959 Jaguar XK150S is the high-performance model of the classic XK lineup. Featuring a number of engine enhancements that gave the S models a healthy 250 b.h.p., it’s almost shocking to think of a horsepower number like that in the 1950s found in a British roadster. Today, sure, but back then? The Jaguar’s performance had to have been eye-opening. This one is fresh out of long-term garage storage and can be found here on the Gullwing Motorcars website listed for $117,500.
The Jaguar still wears its California black plates, and the seller notes it has been with the same owner since 1962 and stored indoors since 1980. The bodywork remains largely sound with a mismatched hood raising questions about accidents or other damage. Still, it looks quite honest, to the point that I wonder if the hood was simply taken down to primer for a paint job that never happened. The seller notes that the car is solid with a straight body, and that it’s believed to be one of just 68 XK150S drophead coupes ever made.
Clearly, despite its years of storage, this Jaguar wasn’t used as a glorified filing cabinet. The interior remains in excellent condition with beautiful door panels, clean carpets, and period Jaguar floormats. The seats are tired but not past the point of being used as-is – unless the springs and foam have completely disintegrated. Unlike many classic cars that get taken off the road for years at a time, it doesn’t appear as if any previous owners attempted to sort out a wiring issue or remove half of the dash to chase down an errant rattle. It’s all intact.
The engine looks relatively spotless, too, for an unrestored older car. The numbers-matching drivetrain is a serious plus and likely has a lot to do with why the asking price is so high – it’s a performance model made in limited numbers with a matching engine: talk about a cocktail for a big-dollar sale. The XK150S will likely still need extensive restoration, but the next owner is starting with a solid foundation with most all of its original equipment still intact, as opposed to sorting out a basketcase-grade example. Is this rare XK150S worth the price of admission?
Love this old Jag…but I wouldn’t buy a used Kia from Gullwing Motorcars. Just my opinion…
No. Its not worth that much.
It is worth whatever someone is prepared to pay for it, full stop.
Would love to have this! Even though I’m pretty sure it’d have to be taken down to the last nut and bolt to make it right mechanically — not to mention, paint, upholstery, plating, etc. — this is a car worthy of a full restoration before putting it back on the road.
That said, I have to agree with Racingpro56. Gullwing Motorcars? Naaaah. That’d be like taking a chance with that “Beverly Hills” bunch out in CA. Overpriced by double, as there are restored standard 150 DHCs on eBay for less. A LOT less.
I was going to say overpriced by double as well but I am no Jag expert.
Looks like it does not even run.
I know a guy in Maryland who is the original owner of a roadster version of this in excellent original condition.He drove it to Watkins Glen Vintage10 years ago. There is an S script on his cowl just ahead of under the windshield post. This dealer has a good and bad history.
$117,500-hahahaha, anyone could buy alot nicer looking car. That needs nothing for alot less and drive it away.. Plus put up a real nice roomy garage with living quaters. ,BUT their is always a sucker some place.
Where can I read about this dealer?
The comments tell you enough. Move along.
that production number would make it a 3.8S. 15 years ago we sold a 3.4S OTS for $75,000. There only 32 of those made if I remember my numbers. Any of the 150 “S” cars are going to be rare and costly. $117,500 while high, isn’t far off. Its got the GWM premium tacked on, but in reality, its probably in the $90k+ range. Restored, in the $160-$190k range.
If this truly is a 3.8L 150S, it is indeed a rare cat. From the engine compartment pic I’m shocked that it is a very original unmolested example, down to the cheney hose clamps! Given the condition, it will take $100 K to restore it, but it will be close to $200K car being a 3.8 vs a 3.4. If you can get this for $100K its worth it. Of course, when it comes to Gullwing, you just have to do extensive due diligence and not rely on any representations.
@JagManBill – where did you come across a production # for this car? Chassis?
Unless you mean the 1 of 68.
Thanks
Nice car.I’m ready to make it a summer cruiser…if the seller will accept my “get real” 35k offer.
@apt RD – the 1 of 68. Back when we had our 3.8S XK150 OTS I had a book with all the productions numbers for the various different configurations of 120, 140 and 150. The 3.8S OTS was the bottom at 28 or something like that, then the 3.4S OTS at 32 (might have been 36), then the 3.8S DHC at 68 (I thought it was 72, but not an issue) then the 3.4S DHC at 93, the 3.8S FHC at 105 and the 3.4S FHC at 127. Mind you this is from 35 years ago so my memory may have faded on the details. In any case, the “S” was a very low production hot rod.
117K and it still needs a total restoration. I think I will pass. Mainly because I don’t have the $117K or the additional 100K it will take to make it really nice.