1958 Jaguar XK150 SE 3.8 FHC
1 of just 1,367 home-market examples

Registration – ESO 600

Chassis No. – 1E1796

M.O.T. – Exempt

Odometer – 3175

‘ESO 600’ looks every inch the ultimate iteration of the sublime Jaguar XK lineage that started with the XK120 in 1948. ‘ESO 600’ boasts a stunning provenance with its chassis number confirming it as a factory right hand drive model and the 522^nd to leave the factory in 1958. The first owner of ‘ESO 600’ is confirmed as the Earl of Moray and was reportedly used as his personal car. The Earl retained the XK150 right into the 1980’s and even commissioned a full nut and bolt restoration by specialist, David Holmes, shortly before he sold it. The second keeper acquired ‘ESO 600’ in 1984 and retained it until 2016, when the current keeper acquired it. This matching numbers example is offered in the holy trinity of XK specifications, namely - with UK right hand drive provenance, a moss manual gearbox and fixed head coupe configuration. This car’s chassis number reveals it to be an SE model and the 522nd of just 583 built to this specification in 1958. The “DN” suffix suggests ‘ESO 600’ left Coventry fitted with an overdrive unit in support of the four speed manual transmission. ‘ESO 600’ is offered here today with an ample archive of supporting paperwork an ephemera.

Whilst clearly an evolution of the earlier, highly regarded XK120 and XK140 models, the XK150 was comprehensively revised as the ultimate expression of the XK lineage. The windscreen was now a single piece, the bonnet wider and the windscreen had moved a full 4 inches forward to aid access. All these revisions can be noted and enjoyed in the flowing lines of ‘ESO 600’ together with its cross-spoked, wire wheels and a subtle flash of chromed brightwork. ‘ESO 600’ is finished in classic British Racing Green livery. The complementary hued green leather clad interior retains a marvellous degree of sought after originality and innate charm. The overall condition of ‘ESO 600’s’ paintwork, bodywork and interior are rated by the vendor as “good.”

This rating reflects in the XK’s mechanical systems, too. ‘ESO 600’ is fitted with the 3.4-litre version of the XK engine which first appeared in the XK120. In this iteration the DOHC, straight-six unit boasted twin SU carburettors and was not outputting around 190bhp which was hugely impressive for its day. The four speed Moss manual gearbox with A-type overdrive with a 28% ratio. Opportunities to own such a sweet-spot specification of XK150 are becoming rarer by the day and so ‘ESO 600’ offers a truly thrilling and fleeting ownership opportunity.

In summary:

• The ultimate iteration of Jaguar XK in a most sought after configuration and specification
• Just three owners to date with a well-known first keeper
• Benefitting from an earlier restoration and ready to use, relish and enjoy