1957 Jaguar XK150 3.8-Litre Coupé
Disc brakes finally arrived on Jaguar’s sports cars in 1957, solving the chronic fade problems that had plagued the earlier drum-equipped XK models during repeated high-speed stops.
The XK150 represented the final evolution of the acclaimed XK series, introducing this critical safety advancement alongside a redesigned body that provided increased interior space and improved visibility.
Autocar magazine said this about it: “The Jaguar XK150 is undeniably one of the world’s fastest and safest cars. It is quiet and exceptionally refined mechanically, docile and comfortable… we do not know of any more outstanding example of value for money.”
The new bodywork featured a distinctive single-piece wrap-around windshield, a broader radiator grille, and a higher front fender line. Engineers achieved the increased width by adding a four-inch central fillet while cleverly reusing many XK120 and XK140 body pressings to control costs.
Initially available with the familiar 3.4-liter straight-six producing 190 horsepower, the XK150 later gained an optional ‘S’ specification with 250 horsepower, achieving 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 132 mph.
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