As we celebrate July 4th weekend, commemorating America’s birthday with fireworks and festivities, I want to take a moment to appreciate something connected to the island nation from which we declared our independence 241 years ago.
In anticipation of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, I was fortunate to borrow a stunning 1960 Jaguar XK150 S 3.8 Roadster, generously provided by Joe Eberhardt, the President and CEO of Jaguar Land Rover North America. The car boasts an elegant deep navy blue finish.
This two-seater is the pinnacle of the XK150 series. It features a 3.8-liter version of Jaguar’s dual overhead cam straight-six engine that produces an impressive 265 brake horsepower, or about 269 horsepower. This powerful engine allows the convertible to reach top speeds exceeding 135 mph—a remarkable feat for any era.
From the driver’s seat, the cockpit exemplifies simplicity, reminiscent of classic cars. The dashboard is clear and straightforward, adorned with a radio marked with the phrase “His Master’s Voice,” which evokes a nostalgic vibe. Driving this car is a thrilling experience, standing in stark contrast to the modern vehicles produced today. Inside, the cabin is noisy, the offset pedals feel like torture devices, and the steering wheel is nearly 45% larger than it needs to be. Steering sometimes feels more like a suggestion than a directive, and while it features four-wheel disc brakes—an innovation for production cars at the time—the braking performance during suburban London’s rush hour kept me alert and ready.
Launched in 1957, the XK150 marked a significant advancement for Jaguar following the XK120 and XK140 models. Both the coupe and drophead versions were available at the outset, but the roadster, introduced in 1958, quickly became the most favored option.
In terms of Jaguar’s offerings from that time, the XK150 S stands out distinctly. Its power, delivered through a four-speed manual transmission featuring overdrive, is remarkable for its period. While 269 horsepower may seem modest today in a world that craves more power, the driving experience of the XK150 S provides a sense of speed and excitement that rivals many contemporary sports cars. In this case, power is more about the feeling it evokes than just the numbers on paper.
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