Top-of-the-Line ‘XK’: 1960 Jaguar XK150 3.8 SE Drophead Coupe
- December 09, 2020
As the last in Jaguar’s revolutionary ‘XK’ sports car series, the XK150 was the most developed expression of the breed and the direct predecessor to the projectile-like E-Type of the 1960s and 1970s. Debuted in 1957 with updated bodywork and myriad detail improvements applied throughout its run, the XK150 was available in either standard or Special Equipment outfitting, and by late 1959 the 3.4 and 3.8L ‘XK’ 6-cylinder engines were available in twin or triple-carbureted “S” tune. As performance increased with top speeds now on tap beyond 130 mph, the XK150 became Jaguar’s first production car equipped with power assisted four-wheel disc brakes to match its prodigious forward thrust. A glorious swan song before the E-Type's 1961 release, the XK150 remains highly capable and enjoyable today.
According to the knowledgeable seller’s detailed sale description, this car is 1 of only 211 Carmen Red painted, left-hand drive Drophead Coupes from all XK150 model years. It’s also 1 of just 302 1960 Jaguar XK150 Dropheads exported to the United States. According to its VIN, our subject car is a top-of-the-line Special Equipment model, factory-equipped with a 4-speed manual gearbox and electric overdrive for relaxed high-speed cruising. It’s also 1 of just 264 XK150s factory-fitted with the top 3.8L, 9:1 compression engine. The current owner commissioned a significant refurbishment in 2018 totaling over $56k, including disassembly for complete repaint, new stainless-steel exhaust, new aluminum gas tank, full restoration of convertible top/headliner, re-chroming of trim, and a mechanical freshening, while a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate confirms the vehicle’s original details.
The XK150 is one of Jaguar’s best that benefits from the many lessons learned in competition, gained from five overall wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans during the 1950s. These cars are not only outwardly beautiful, but they’re also quite capable of long-distance drives in the best Grand Touring tradition. According to Hagerty’s current price guide, the XK150 value hierarchy loosely starts with the Coupe and rises through the DHC to the Roadster, while 3.8L and factory-optioned Special Edition (SE) models command higher prices within each body style. Homing in on the 1960 Drophead with 3.8L power and SE option, Hagerty’s valuations start from $97k for a #4 driver and progress to $127k for a good #3, $174k for an excellent #2, and $202k for a concours-quality #1, although those figures seem a bit optimistic in today’s collector car climate, although we’ve still seen comparable recent auction sales in the $125-$150k+ mark. Featuring the top available options and specification, this 1960 Jaguar XK150 Drophead Coupe is a simply wonderful example in all respects. The seller’s asking price for this quality car is just a tick above Hagerty’s estimate for a good #3, and in our opinion it represents outstanding value for the money, compelling us to predict that it will be fair market value, even dipping firmly into the well bought category with just a little negotiation.
