1959 XK150S DHC engine question
 

Many years ago I started a restoration of a 1959 XK150S DHC. I totally rebuilt the engine, transmission and overdrive. Even had the crank and cams reground. But the body work was beyond me at the time and my pockets were not deep enough to have that much work done so I lost my head and sold it. But my question is about the engine size. As I remember it was a 4.0. But the data that is published today says it was a 3.8. The engine had the gold head which was a 9.0 compression ratio, three two inch SU carbs and was rated at 250 HP. And I believe that same engine went in the first E type cars except bored out to 4.2. Was my engine a 3.8 or 4.0. Just trying to get the record streight.

I know one of you Jag history experts knows the answer.

EZDriver 1995 XJ6 2000XK8

The XK150S came in both 3.4 (250 bhp) and 3.8 litre (265 bhp) variants. Whichever your DHC was, you had a really rare bird. 104 3.4S DHCs were built, plus 89 3.8S DHCs. Many more 3.4S OTS (open two seater) were built than the DHC - 888 units. Today, you can find more 3.8 XK150S cars than ever left the factory (wink, wink).

Thanks for the info. Yes, even at that time (late 70s) I knew it was a rare bird. And it was for sure an original S. (The badges on the car said XK150S as well as the original registration) It was in horrible shape. It would run but barely. The engine was gunked up due to not having detergent oil. The cam clearance was gone along with chrank shaft scoring. All that had to be machined. Doing the engine and trans work was fun. I did it when I lived in Seattle where you could get any kind of work done. To do the engine work I used an E type shop manual that I still have. What a great book. But the body was horrible. There was a lot of wood in the body that was bad. The deck (boot) was aluminum with a wood frame. And I think the hood (bonet) was aluminum also. And lots of lead. And the doors hinges were sagging due to body cracks. Not being a body man it was just too much for me. I just couldn't afford to have the body work done. But so be it.

Having fun with the two Jags (his and hers) that I have now.

EZDriver XJ6 XK8