🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XK150

Production Years:

1957-1961

Body Styles:

Fixed Head Coupe (FHC), Drophead Coupe (DHC), Open Two-Seater (OTS)

Vin Structure:

Not explicitly detailed in product info, but typically based on sequential numbering and factory codes for the era.

Generation Designation:

XK150 (often considered a significant evolution of the XK140).

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners, amateur mechanics, and professional mechanics working on Jaguar XK150 vehicles.

Value Proposition:

Provides essential resources to overcome the perceived difficulty of car maintenance and repair, enabling independent work.

Ease Of Use:

Simple PDF format, nothing to install, user-friendly.

Instructional Style:

Step-by-step illustrated procedures, complete walk-throughs, mechanical instructions.

Empowerment:

Enables owners to fix 'anything' on their vehicle with the right resources.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive service and repair for the Jaguar XK150.

Specific Systems:

Engine, Carburetters and Fuel System, Cooling System, Clutch and Flywheel, Gearbox, Propeller Shafts, Rear Axle, Steering, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Brakes, Chassis, Coachwork, Air Conditioning Equipment, Electrical, Accessory Manufacturers, Overseas Service Agents.

Estimated Page Count:

Not specified, but typical factory service manuals for this era are substantial (likely 300+ pages).

Manual Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Digital Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Detailed coverage of XK straight-six engines (3.4L, 3.8L) including timing, lubrication, and general overhaul.

Fuel And Ignition:

Carburetion (e.g., SU HD6, Stromberg), fuel pumps, lines, and ignition system (distributor, coil, wiring).

Drivetrain:

Clutch assembly, gearbox (Moss 4-speed with overdrive or Laycock de Normanville overdrive), propeller shafts, universal joints, and rear axle ( Salisbury or Jaguar proprietary) with differential.

Suspension And Steering:

Front independent suspension (wishbones, torsion bars), rear live axle with trailing links and Panhard rod, and steering box and column.

Braking System:

Front disc brakes (Dunlop), rear drum brakes, brake hydraulics, and handbrake mechanism.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting system, charging system (dynamo), instrumentation, and accessories.

HVAC:

Covers Air Conditioning Equipment, which was an optional extra and often aftermarket for this era.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step illustrated repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components.

Maintenance Procedures:

Guidance on routine maintenance, tune-ups, fluid changes, and lubrication.

Troubleshooting:

Implied through detailed system coverage and diagnostic information.

Depth Of Information:

Dealer-level instructional guides suitable for both amateur and professional mechanics.

Diagnostic Capability:

Provides technical information and schematics necessary for diagnosing issues.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Software Compatibility:

Compatible with all Windows Operating Systems and any smartphone or tablet that can open a PDF file. Recommended: Adobe PDF Reader.

Printability:

Easy to print any page or section.

Binding:

Not applicable (digital format).

Paper Quality:

Not applicable (digital format).

Text Searchability:

Implied by PDF format, allowing for keyword searches.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)

3.4 Liter:

XK Engine (XK340), approximately 210-225 bhp depending on carburetion (e.g., dual SU HD6).

3.8 Liter:

XK Engine (XK380), approximately 250-265 bhp depending on carburetion (e.g., triple SU HD8 or Weber DCOE for 'S' models).

Horsepower Range:

210-265 bhp (approx.)

Torque Range:

Not specified, but significant for its era, contributing to strong performance.

Carburetor Types:

Typically dual or triple SU (Skinners Union) carburetors (e.g., HD6, HV6, HD8) or optional Weber carburetors on some performance variants.

Fuel Type:

Leaded gasoline (premium grade)

Oil Type:

Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., SAE 20W-50, possibly with ZDDP additive for flat-tappet camshafts).

🔧 Transmission

Gearbox Type:

Moss 4-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears.

Overdrive:

Optional Laycock de Normanville electrically operated overdrive available on top 3 gears (effectively providing 7 forward speeds).

Clutch:

Single dry plate clutch.

Gearbox Oil:

Refer to manual for specific GL rating and viscosity (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 90 or 140).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 8 ft 10 in (2692 mm) for Coupe/Drophead, 7 ft 10 in (2388 mm) for some early OTS.

Track Width Front:

Approx. 4 ft 6 in (1372 mm)

Track Width Rear:

Approx. 4 ft 5 in (1346 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,000 - 3,300 lbs (1360 - 1497 kg) depending on body style.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Ratings:

Not applicable for vehicles of this era; modern safety standards and testing were not in place.

Braking System:

Four-wheel Dunlop hydraulic disc brakes (front standard, rear optional initially then standard on later models). Effective for the time, a significant advancement.

Steering System:

Recirculating ball steering. Power steering was not typically offered or standard on the XK150.

Chassis Construction:

Body-on-frame construction with steel chassis and aluminum or steel body panels.

Seatbelts:

Not standard equipment at introduction, often retrofitted by owners or dealers.

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Optional AM radio, often Lucas or a period-specific aftermarket unit.

Speakers:

Typically one or two dashboard-mounted speakers.

Cruise Control:

Not available.

Power Steering:

Not standard, available as a rare aftermarket option.

Usb Ports:

Not applicable.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Refer to manual; typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months for the era.

Grease Points:

Regular lubrication of chassis grease points (suspension, steering, driveshaft) is critical, likely every 1,000-2,000 miles.

Tune Up Frequency:

Regular tune-ups (ignition timing, carburetor adjustment, valve adjustment) essential for optimal performance.

Coolant:

Water/antifreeze mixture. Refer to manual for exact composition and capacity.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid. Must be replaced periodically due to hygroscopic nature.

Overheating:

Can occur due to original cooling system capacity or blockages; requires diligent maintenance of radiator and coolant flow.

Oil Leaks:

Common with aging seals and gaskets in engines and transmissions.

Carburetor Synchronization:

SU carburetors require periodic synchronization and adjustment for smooth running.

Chassis Corrosion:

As with many cars of this era, rust can be an issue, particularly in areas prone to moisture.

📚 Vehicle History

Jaguar Legacy:

Continued the legacy of Jaguar's successful XK series, renowned for performance, beauty, and racing pedigree.

Xk120 To Xk140 To Xk150:

The XK150 was a significant departure in styling from the XK120/140, featuring a more modern unibody-inspired design (though still chassis-based), larger windscreen, and improved ergonomics.

Styling Changes:

Smoother lines, smaller grille, single-piece windscreen replacing split screens, updated dashboard.

Manufacturing Location:

Jaguar Cars, Coventry, England

Total Production Numbers:

Approximately 9,382 units produced across all body styles.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Icon:

The XK150 is widely considered an automotive icon and a benchmark of British sports car design and performance from its era.

Collectibility:

Highly collectible and sought-after by classic car enthusiasts and collectors.

Historic Vehicle Status:

Qualifies for historic vehicle registration and associated benefits in many regions.