It is sometimes challenging to find the right words to describe a classic. Take this 1959 Jaguar XK150 OTS as a prime example. Its presentation is superb, and its mechanical specifications promise excellent performance. If I were to sum up this car with two words, they would be “simply stunning.” This Jag isn’t cheap, but it is ideal for enthusiasts wishing to treat themselves to a special ownership experience. With 45,000 miles on the clock, Jaguar’s legendary reliability means that it should offer its future owners years of classic motoring pleasure. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the XK150 listed here on Craigslist in Sidney, British Columbia, Canada. The seller set their price at C$88,000, which equates to approximately US$64,200.
Jaguar introduced the XK150 in 1957 as its successor to the XK140. Although visually similar to its predecessor, the “150” was substantially reengineered to improve interior space and engine bay access. This OTS (Open Two-Seater, or Roadster) presents superbly in Red. Jaguar offered two similar shades during the production life, and since they are hard to separate, I’m unsure which one this is. It shines extremely nicely, and with arrow-straight panels, there is not much about the car’s cosmetic condition that warrants criticism. With no evidence of significant corrosion in areas like the engine bay, the indications are that this classic is rust-free. The trim and beautiful wire wheels are excellent, with no evidence of pitting or other problems. For those wishing to have something extra to boast about, it is worth noting that Royal Doulton manufactured the crystal clear windshield. Other marques utilized glass from the same company, although it remains one of those fascinating and unusual facts in the classic world.
Lifting the hood reveals a DOHC 3.4-liter six, producing 190hp and 203 ft/lbs of torque. The motor was essentially the same one the company utilized in the XK140, but featured an updated cylinder head. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The seller indicates that this Jag has a known ownership history and shows 45,300 miles on its odometer. The engine bay looks exceptionally clean for its age, and doesn’t flatter to deceive. The XK150 runs and drives extremely well, with no identified mechanical issues.
If this XK150’s exterior is spectacular, its interior is no less so. Trimmed in beautiful Red leather, it is almost faultless. The seat bases exhibit typical aging leather wrinkles, but no wear. The carpet is equally clean, and the dash is magnificent. The White leather surrounding the gauges isn’t original, but it is a striking feature. The buyer receives an AM radio, but I would probably never switch it on, because I would never tire of the tune emanating from under the hood.
Classic Jaguars tend to polarize opinions. Some enthusiasts feel passionate about them, admiring the styling and the engineering hidden below the surface. However, others are unmoved, failing to understand what the hype is about. If you fall into the former category, you may be irresistibly drawn to this low-mile beauty. Jaguar built only 2,265 examples of the OTS during its four-year production run, making it the rarest of the group. Therefore, if you long to park a relatively rare British sports car in your garage, this 1959 XK 150 could be your admission ticket to that club.
Magnificent model from a golden era for Jaguar; 120, 140, SS, no one knew how an English roadster could possibly get any more incredible-until the XKE arrived.
And as fiddly as the could be at times, these are a far cry from what we see today on the road and for the most part far more reliable as well.
Beautiful pick, Adam.
If you want to see just what a far cry from what we saw when Jaguar built cars like this XK 150 OTS, then just wait until you see the EV P O Rubbish that they are coming out with in the near future!
What a beautiful Jag. That body and paint looks amazing, and so does that leather interior too. Look at those carpets!!! I agree with Adam, I wouldn’t bother turning on that AM radio either, just listening to that beautiful inline 6 running through the gears with the top down would be enough music for my ears to enjoy. Thanks Adam!!
As a 15 year old kid I got to drive an XK 120 as a parts chaser for the local dealer. The shop was about 1 and a half miles from the center of town. You don’t think I let that beast loose on the way back? Goose bumps all the way. Beautiful example here.
As a young man I bought a1949 XK120 on a Friday and returned it for trade in on the following Monday! I loved the car but after doing only 200 miles on a full tank then I realised that I could never afford it! Great shame really as it was a jewel of a car.
If I had the choice and I could afford either, I would take and drive a 150 over an E type. Both are beauties but there is something (for me) more magical about the the 150’s, 140’s, 120’s…etc…
I have owned both and I found the XK to be the more exciting car to drive as the E Type, although it was a more refined car, didn’t really get to me.
This one presents well and the price is right for today’s market. The 120-140-150 series market has fallen on hard times lately as the generation who loved them are rapidly disappearing. You can see what an absolute revolution the E-type was in 1961 compared to these cars with their truck like ladder frames and bolt on bodies. Jaguar somehow managed to retain that heavy lump of an engine and old Moss transmission and wrap them in a beautiful and nimble car. That was probably the last generation of truly innovative British engineers. E types are currently red hot in the market because they are still viewed as modern enough as drivers despite being 60 years old.
Wish this was parked in my garage. GLWTS.
Don’t be silly. XK or E? Blonde or brunette? They all have their unique charms.
Yet, not a Saab…
I had a ‘58 XK150, and a S1 and S III E-type. The XK was very fun, I loved it, but it couldn’t hold a candle to either E in terms of a driving experience.
I own a 150S OTS and am a JCNA judge. There are a number of things missing or wrong on this one for example the steering wheel. Hate to disagree with you Adam, but the Grey leather dash is correct. Also you can tell this is an original Canadian model by the amber turn signal lenses. The repaint isn’t the best if you look at the picture with the door latch. But, a nice driver quality car and price is right for this quality.
Someone is going to be very happy 😊 depending on where the hammer falls. Gorgeous Jag .