Highlights
- Documented restoration and maintenance work totalling at least £80,000
- Beautifully presented in original British Racing Green and Suede Green with spats and steels
- One of just 480 right-hand drive UK home market XK140 Drophead Coupes built
- Comprehensive history file including full ownership list from new, heritage certificate and buff logbook
- Fully lined hood fitted at a cost of approximately £10,000
- Original specification and colour scheme confirmed by heritage certificate
- Voluntary MOT valid to February 2026 with no advisories
The Appeal
Jaguar’s gorgeous XK originated in Coventry, but its sights were firmly set on overseas sales to service the post-war export or die drive. That makes this car exceptionally rare. It is one of only 480 original UK market XK140 Drophead Coupes built.
Finished in factory correct British Racing Green over a retrimmed Suede Green interior it is a beautiful machine, the effect helped by the rare retention of spats and steels. They make a welcome alternative to the more common open arches and wires.
The vendor acquired the car in 2021 and reports that £80,000 has been spent since the 1990s on restoration and further renovation work. That has included a fully lined hood that cost £10,000 alone. The flush panel fit and quality paintwork and interior indicate the quality of that investment work.
The car is largely standard but benefits from useful improvements like an unleaded cylinder head and aluminium radiator for improved cooling. It is an indication of the seller’s approach that it comes to market with the transparency of a voluntary, advisory-free MOT valid to February 2026.
The vendor says:
“Well cared-for, with an eye to correctness in a detailed manner.A very appealing, correct, sound car, driving very nicely, ready to use and enjoy. Only being sold due to lack of time to benefit from it.
“An original, right-hand drive, UK market car, one of just 480 built, and very sought-after. The car is to original specification and colour scheme, confirmed by the heritage certificate.
“The whole car is in lovely condition in all respects, benefitting from a great deal of restoration in the 1980s/90s and maintenance work since then amounts to at least £80,000, all documented in the history file. Work included engine overhaul, gearbox overhaul, new aluminium radiator, stainless steel exhaust system, re-wiring, attention to brakes, suspension, paintwork, etc, a new, fully lined hood, and much more besides, all done to a high standard.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 10th May 1955
- DVLA records three registered keepers
- Total keepers may be higher due to limited DVLA record-keeping
- Current keeper since April 2021
- The car was previously painted grey, which was changed in March 2007 to green
- Car left the factory painted in current British Racing Green as shown in photos
- JDHT certificate confirms car is currently displaying factory correct colour scheme
- Comprehensive history file includes a full ownership list from new
- Current MOT valid until February 2026 with no advisories
- Buff logbook from 1960 included in the documentation
- Large box file containing numerous invoices from 1997 to 2020
- Original sales brochure and handbook included
- Documented restoration and maintenance work totalling at least £80,000
- Extensive correspondence relating to the vehicle's history
History file contents advised by seller:
- Full ownership list from new
- Long run of MoT certificates
- Jaguar Heritage Certificate
- Various correspondence
- Buff logbook from 1960
- Many MoT certificates
- Large box file of information
- Invoices from the period 1997 to 2020
- Original sales brochure
- Handbook
The Condition
- Finished in original British Racing Green paintwork following extensive restoration
- Body, paintwork and chrome present well
- Car was reportedly restored in the 1990s and 2000s
- Flush-fitting and well-kept panelwork as shown in photos
- Hood expertly renewed and fully lined in 2008 at a cost of approximately £10,000
- Underside appears sound with no structural advisories on MOT
- Interior restored with new leather in the original Suede green colour
- New carpets and refinished woodwork during restoration
- Fitted with colour-coded inertia reel seat belts
- All instruments reported to be in working order
- Original disc wheels and spats
The ‘mid period’ XK140 is a pleasing blend of the XK120’s purity and the XK150’s flashier touches. The added chrome works well on this car thanks to its lovely British Racing Green paintwork. The paint and the bodywork are in very good order, the flush-fitting doors in particular indicating the quality of this car’s older restoration. We agree with the vendor - the spats and steels are a welcome alternative to the more common wires and definitely suit this car.
Inside there is a gorgeous retrimmed Suede Green leather cabin with refurbished woodwork and smart fittings. Like the exterior, the cabin is in the factory correct colour scheme.
The hood was replaced some years ago at considerable expense and presents very well in photos.
The Mechanics
- 3,442cc XK straight six engine
- 4spd Moss gearbox with factory overdrive
- Cylinder head converted to run on unleaded fuel
- Aluminium radiator fitted to improve cooling
- Battery isolator hidden away for safety and security
- Stainless steel exhaust system
- Engine and gearbox reportedly overhauled during restoration
- Brakes and suspension have received attention during restoration
- Complete rewiring carried out as part of the restoration work
- No advisories on current MOT
The XK engine would evolve to larger capacities and more power, but aficionados know that the 3.4L displacement of this car is really the motor’s sweet spot. In this car it is mated to the correct 4spd ‘Moss’ gearbox with factory-fitted optional overdrive.
This car is reported to be largely standard save for some useful and arguably very desirable upgrades. These include conversion to an unleaded cylinder head, an uprated cooling system and a stainless exhaust to add a little more sparkle to that sonorous straight six.
The vendor reports that £80,000 has been invested in the car since a comprehensive restoration in the 1990s. He tells us that the car runs and drives well, which is confirmed by the lengthy, advisory-free MOT.
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