Jaguar XK140 Fixed Head Coupé 1955
Highlights
- One of only 343 Fixed Head Coupés with right-hand drive produced
- Bare metal body restoration carried out approximately six years ago, repainted in its original BRG colour
- Matching chassis numbers confirmed, with Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate on file
- Current ownership since 2018
The Appeal
Refining the revolutionary XK120 with improved interior space, rack-and-pinion steering and increased performance, the XK140 took this already highly successful lineage a step further. Genuine sporting capability, executive comfort and a saloon with distinguished and elegant looks, featuring its characteristic grille, long bonnet and sweeping wheel arches. Right-hand drive examples are particularly scarce, with only 343 produced.
This 1955 example – an unusually early model with a split grille – was manufactured on 17 February 1955, according to the Jaguar Heritage Trust. It has undergone a bare metal body restoration, after which it was repainted in its original British Racing Green livery, in accordance with Heritage documentation. The car retains its original configuration with solid wheels and rear skirts. Mechanically, a sympathetic approach has been adopted: whilst the braking system and cooling system have been overhauled, the gearbox, steering and overall mechanical architecture remain unchanged.
Purchased by the current owner in early 2018 from Chelsea Cars in London, the Jaguar is now located in the south of France. It is accompanied by a current MOT and a file of invoices and receipts for parts purchases.
History and Documentation
Refining the revolutionary XK120 with improved interior space, rack-and-pinion steering and increased performance, the XK140 took this already highly successful lineage a step further. Genuine sporting capability, executive comfort and a saloon with distinguished and elegant looks, featuring its characteristic grille, long bonnet and sweeping wheel arches. Right-hand drive examples are particularly scarce, with only 343 produced.
This 1955 example – an unusually early model with a split grille – was manufactured on 17 February 1955, according to the Jaguar Heritage Trust. It has undergone a bare metal body restoration, after which it was repainted in its original British Racing Green livery, in accordance with Heritage documentation. The car retains its original configuration with solid wheels and rear skirts. Mechanically, a sympathetic approach has been adopted: whilst the braking system and cooling system have been overhauled, the gearbox, steering and overall mechanical architecture remain unchanged.
Purchased by the current owner in early 2018 from Chelsea Cars in London, the Jaguar is now located in the south of France. It is accompanied by a current MOT and a file of invoices and receipts for parts purchases.
History and Documentation
- Manufactured on 17 February 1955 according to the Jaguar Heritage Trust
- Purchased by the current owner in early 2018 from Chelsea Cars in London
- The previous owner was an Englishman living in Portugal; sold as part of a collection
- Little history available prior to the current owner's purchase; the odometer reads 3,618 miles, but mileage cannot be certified
- File of invoices and receipts for parts purchases available
- Accompanied by a current MOT
- Registered with a collection registration document in France
Condition
- Repainted in its original BRG colour, in accordance with Jaguar Heritage documentation, with modern paint and clear lacquer
- Stored in a closed garage
- The seats have an evocative patina, with no tears or holes
- The carpets and interior trim are recent
- The woodwork has been refinished
- Presented in its original configuration with solid wheels and rear skirts
- The bumpers have been removed by the vendor for aesthetic reasons; the bumpers are reported to be in good condition
- All chrome trim has been replaced with new or rechromed, with the exception of the bumpers
- The headlights, battery and tyres are new
- Stainless steel exhaust installed
- All dashboard instruments are reported as functional, except the clock
- The vendor reports no particular issues other than typical characteristics of a 1950s vehicle
Very elegantly presented, with restored paintwork and an excellent cabin, this generously curved sports car is as beautiful as it should be. The car displays impressive and contrasting chrome, fine wood veneers and still retains its rear skirts. It's a magnificent testament to the quality of the restoration and the enduring appeal of the XK140.
The Mechanics
The Mechanics
- 3,442 cc straight-six engine
- 4-speed manual transmission
- The engine dates from December 1955 and runs well according to reports
- Compression reported as good and balanced
- Electronic ignition and new wiring harness installed
- Fuel pump replaced with a Facet unit
- Complete clutch kit installed
- Braking system fully overhauled, including master cylinder, copper piping, wheel cylinders, pads and all adjustment components
- Cooling system overhauled on the advice of Jaguar Exclusive; radiator replaced with an aluminium unit
- Rear dampers are adjustable and new; front dampers are reported in good condition
- No modern modifications to the brakes, gearbox or steering
The XK140 was a lively and spirited machine, with plenty of sporting character, capable of delighting the enthusiast. This example has benefited from considerable investment to keep it as lively and characterful as ever. Much of this DNA is faithful to the period, with the brakes, gearbox and steering all present and correct, alongside numerous new components.
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