1960 Jaguar XK150 SE 3.8-Litre Coupé - Manual Overdrive

In October 1959, as XK150 production slowed slightly amidst rumours of an exciting new model, Jaguar quietly offered the 3,781cc engine from the Mark IX as an option in conjunction with the rest of the options available on the 3.4-litre car. In 1960, the 3.8 was offered as a model in its own right in 220bhp SE spec with twin SU HD6 carburettors or the 265bhp XK150S with triple HD8s.

Presented here is a particularly engaging example of Jaguar’s final-generation XK, a rare and desirable, original right-hand drive, 3.8-litre SE Fixed Head Coupé, finished in gleaming metallic Silver Grey over a beautiful Bordeaux interior. Unusually, this example was originally built with a 7:1 compression ratio, almost certainly specified for its export destination where fuel quality demanded such considerations, however, during its 2010 rebuild the engine was returned to standard compression.

According to the records, #S825171DN was completed in March 1960 before being dispatched by Mandilas & Karaberis of Lagos – Jaguar’s Nigerian import agent since 1951 – to its first owner, a Lt. Col. D. M. Aston, of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Originally finished in cream with a red interior, it must have turned heads on the streets of Lagos, a potent and glamorous British sports coupé in the dawning years of the decade.

By 1971, the Jaguar had returned to the UK, residing first in Kent with Pamela Cook before later passing to Adrian Cook of Herne Bay. In the late 1970s, the XK made its way west to Taunton, Somerset, before migrating north to Arbroath in Forfar where it was purchased by John Millar remaining within his custodianship into the 1980s. In 2010 it was acquired by Christopher Hedley, who brought the car back to Kent prior to commencing an extensive restoration. Specialist work included a full engine and gearbox rebuild and an interior retrim, while Mr Hedley – himself the owner of a commercial garage – undertook a thorough chassis and body restoration culminating in a body-off repaint. Illness sadly brought the project to a halt, and the car remained unused for several years.

Purchased by our vendor in 2024, the well-travelled Jaguar has since benefitted from a comprehensive recommissioning programme to ready it for modern-day motoring. Fitted with a Laycock de Normanville overdrive from new, mechanical upgrades have been chosen with touring and reliability in mind and include electric power steering, an alternator conversion, LED lighting throughout, electric cooling fan, and the fitting of early XJ-S seats with three-point static seatbelts which suit the car really well (originals supplied). Further mechanical attention includes a rebuilt braking system with uprated Fosseway front callipers, fully refreshed front suspension, new wheel bearings, ball joints and bushes, new shock absorbers all round, and a complete rebuild of the cooling system including a high-flow aluminium radiator with 40% better cooling capacity.

The result is a wonderfully driveable XK150 that retains the timeless elegance of the model whilst offering the reassuring usability required for contemporary traffic and continental touring. Rare in specification, fascinating in history, and freshly prepared for the road, this 3.8 SE coupé stands as a superb opportunity to acquire one of the most capable and engaging XK150s currently available.