The XK150, produced from 1957 to 1961, featured significant improvements over its predecessors (such as the XK120), including better power and braking performance. The 3.8-liter inline-six engine, introduced in 1959, produced around 220 horsepower. This engine allowed the XK150 to achieve a top speed of approximately 135 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.6 seconds, making it one of the fastest cars of its time. The XK150 also benefited from advanced features like disc brakes on all four wheels, which greatly improved its braking performance compared to earlier models.
In 1961, as the XK150 production was winding down to make way for the new E-Type, the production numbers were relatively low. Approximately 226 Jaguar XK150s were produced in 1961 across all configurations (including Fixed Head Coupé (FHC), Drophead Coupé (DHC), and Open Two-Seater (OTS)). For the 1961 Jaguar XK150 3.8 OTS LHD specifically, it is estimated that around 50-70 units were produced, making them quite rare and highly sought after by collectors today. This scarcity, combined with the car's performance and advanced features for the time, contributes to its status as a prized classic.
