Introduced in May 1957(FHC/DHC) and March 1958(OTS), the 150 represented a more substantial change over the 140 than that model had shown over the 120. The body was about 4″ wider, but mounted on much the same chassis, and with slimmer doors and a ‘straighter’ wingline. The XK150 offered much more internal width than the 140. The greater space around the engine improved both accessibility and cooling. The 150 was a pioneer in the use of disc brakes all ‘round. All models now had wind-up windows.
Pros: Increased internal space particularly useful in DHC & FHC models, allowing two small children or one adult to sit behind driver and passenger. Improved cooling and disc brakes enhance driveability. Useful added performance of the 3 carburettor ‘S’ models.
Cons: Wider body sometimes makes the 150 look a little ‘top heavy‘. Lack of walnut veneer in FHC and DHC models often disliked by modern buyer. The 150 tends to be viewed more as a touring car rather than a sports car by the purist.
XK 150 Open Two-Seater
March 1958 – October 1960

Engine capacity | 3,442cc. |
Bhp | 190 at 5,500rpm (210bhp at 5,500rpm Special Equipment, 250bhp at 5,500rpm ‘S’ option); 3781cc engine optional from October 1959 (220bhp at 5,500rpm, 265bhp at 5,500rpm ‘S’ option) |
Length | 14ft 9in |
Width | 5ft 41/2 in |
Height | 4ft 6in |
Weight | 28cwt |
Max. speed | 136mph approx.; 0–60 |
mph | 7.3sec (3.4 four speed) |
Distinguishing features: Grille now wide thin-slatted with depression in bumper underneath. Higher wingline front to rear. Non-detachable full-width windscreen, wind-up windows in chrome surround, exterior door handles, wider cockpit due thinner doors, leather/vinyl fascia (all models). LHD models revised April 1959 (see FHC); RHD carried revised equipment from commencement. Disc brakes. Wire wheels offered with Special Equipment package. Overdrive or automatic gearbox optional (‘S’ models all overdrive). Chassis Nos. commence/numbers built (all versions) :817001 LHD (2,310), 807001 RHD (479)
XK 150 Fixedhead Coupe (early)
May 1957 – April 1959

Engine capacity | 3,442cc. |
Bhp | 190 at 5,500rpm (210bhp at 5,500rpm Special Equipment, 250bhp at 5,500rpm ‘S’ option) |
Length | 14ft 9in |
Width | 5ft 41/2 in |
Height | 4ft 7in |
Weight | 29cwt |
Max. speed | 125mph approx.; 0–60 |
mph | 9.5sec (3.4 standard) |
Distinguishing features: As for open two-seater except for occasional rear seats and integral steel roof. Small rear single lens lamps, rear over-riders in line with lamps. Disc brakes. Wire wheels offered with Special Equipment package. Overdrive or automatic gearbox optional (‘S’ models all overdrive). Chassis Nos. commence:817001 LHD, 807001 RHD.
XK 150 Fixedhead Coupe (late)
April 1959 – October 1961

Engine capacity | 3,442cc |
Bhp | 190 at 5,500rpm (210bhp at 5,500rpm Special Equipment, 250bhp at 5,500rpm ‘S’ option). 3,781cc engine optional from October 1959 (220bhp at 5,500rpm ‘S’ option) |
Length | 14ft 9in |
Width | 5ft 41/2 in |
Height | 4ft 7in |
Weight | 29cwt |
Max. speed | 125mph approx; 0–60 |
mph | 9.5sec (3.4 standard) |
Distinguishing features: As for open two-seater except for occasional rear seats and integral steel roof. Larger rear lamp with amber (home market) indicator, rear over-riders inboard of lamps. Disc brakes. Wire wheels offered with Special Equipment package. Overdrive or automatic gearbox optional (‘S’ models all overdrive). Numbers built (all versions): LHD (3,094), RHD (1,368).
XK 150 Drophead Coupe
May 1957 – October 1960

Engine capacity | 3,442cc |
Bhp | 190 at 5,500rpm (210bhp at 5,500rpm Special Equipment, 250bhp at 5,500rpm ‘S’ option). 3,781cc engine optional from October 1959 (220bhp at 5,500rpm, 265bhp at 5,500rpm ‘S’ option) |
Length | 14ft 9in |
Width | 5ft 41/2 in |
Height | 4ft 7in |
Weight | 29 1/2 cwt |
Max. speed | 129mph approx; 0–60 |
mph | 8.0sec (3.4s overdrive) |
Distinguishing features: As for open two-seater except for occasional rear seats and fully-lined top. Revised April 1959 (see FHC). Disc brakes. Wire wheels offered with Special Equipment package. Overdrive or automatic gearbox optional (‘S’ models all overdrive). Chassis Nos. commence/numbers built (all versions: 837001 LHD (2,009), 827001 RHD (662).