Comprehensive nut and bolt, body-off restoration completed
Original 3.4-litre engine replaced with a fully rebuilt 3.8 unit
Only 650 miles covered since restoration completion in 2020
Registered in the UK
The Appeal
The Jaguar XK140 was a car of evolution, not revolution - but you'd be forgiven for thinking otherwise. The XK140 stepped Jaguar's familiar FHC formula into a more leisurely, distinguished territory - something that the well-to-do took great pleasure in. The new car was altogether more comfortable and leisurely, even boasting the addition of power steering, and was suddenly much more fitting for long-distance cruising than its slightly sportier predecessor.
Of course, it was still fast and charismatic on its feet. You could easily hit the ton in one of these, and they provided plenty of thrills for the adventure seeker - it just did so with such grace that it seemed to commandeer its own way of things. Spirited, loaded with personality - it was a gentleman's speedster through and through. Plus, the engine had moved a little further forward, so you weren't quite as likely to feel your legs seize up after an 80-mile jaunt.
The XK140 FHC saw success worldwide, but only 843 right-hand drive examples ever left the factory. That makes this particular example a relative rarity. It's been comprehensively restored from a somewhat near-to-the-bone life in Arizona, and now presents beautifully in its factory-accurate Pastel Blue livery, with a fully rebuilt, 3.8-litre engine and a 5-speed manual transmission offering that little pop of extra power to the already impressive performance.
Stately, stylish and beautifully kept - it's a historic coupe that demands your attention with confidence that'll impress any discerning enthusiast seeking a bit of mid-century milieu. image.png3.58 MB
The History and Paperwork
First registered in 1955
The Jaguar Heritage Certificate indicates the original factory finish was 'Pastel Blue'
One of only 843 ever produced
Previously based in Arizona
The car was part of a large collection of British sports cars in New York
Returned to the UK in 2016
Full restoration undertaken
Since completion in 2020, the car has only covered 650 dry miles
The vendor elaborates:
"The car is an original RHD UK car that found its way to the USA and lived in Arizona before being bought by a dentist in New York State and added to his large collection of British sports cars. After he died, the collection was split up and I repatriated it back to the UK for restoration.
I had hoped that its time in a dry state would have saved the body. However, when the body was taken off, the extent of corrosion around the rear end, in particular, was bad, as was the poor attempt at respraying the body in non-original red. A local body shop carried out the work using new panels from James Lawrence (new rear wings and complete rear end, repair panels for the front wings, etc.).
I'm a retired engineer and carried out the rebuild of the chassis, suspension, brakes and engine ready for the refurbished body, which is now finished in its original Powder Blue. The interior has been completely refurbished or replaced with blue carpet and cream leather upholstery."
The paperwork file includes:
V5c document
Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate
Sales invoice from Beverly Hills Car Club
Plenty of invoices covering new parts and restoration
Photos of the car's condition when purchased (in its non-standard red)
Restored to a very high standard with plenty of new panels
As a result, we can't spot any dents, dings or unusual wear
De-bumpered, though new and re-chromed bumpers and fittings are included in the sale
An 'Aston style' fuel filler has been incorporated
The chassis was in very good condition upon purchase
It's still very clean and solid
Internally, the car has been very nicely restored and retrimmed
New blue carpets were fitted with contrasting cream leather upholstery
The headlining is new
Instruments and switchgear are all functioning
The woodwork has been re-lacquered
A 'Les Leston' period wood-rim steering wheel has been fitted
Beautifully presented thanks to its extensive restoration, this fixed-head coupe is a beautiful survivor. The Pastel Blue livery is effortlessly cool, and perfectly suits the flowing, curvy lines that made the Jaguar coupes so immediately iconic. The restoration has clearly been done to a very high standard - everything is straight and true, with a lovely, sumptuous shine.
Internally, the car has been retrimmed to an equal standard. Everything is plush, well presented and filled with that distinctive '50s British glamour. The cream leather contrasts beautifully against the dark blue carpets and red belts, while the rich wooden dash fascia is clean and well-presented.
Fully rebuilt and upgraded as part of the car's restoration
3.8-litre engine, fully rebuilt with new liners, pistons, valves, bearings, etc.
5-speed gearbox offers more relaxed motorway driving and improved fuel consumption
The original Close Ratio 4-speed gearbox is included in the sale
Engine starts quickly with a high torque starter
Breathing is improved with new carburettors supplied from a new aluminium fuel tank, a sports air filter, and a Stainless Steel exhaust manifold coupled to a Falcon twin pipe system
Cooling is enhanced with an aluminium radiator and expansion tank
The thermal controlled cold start device is now operated manually from a switch under the dash
An upgraded anti-roll bar and Blockley radial tyres provide sure-footed cornering
With the impressive list above, there's little doubt that this XK is ready to really go through its paces. Running better than it would have leaving the factory, this fixed-head is faster and more capable than its original - already impressive - period spec, and we understand that it's starting, shifting and driving exactly as it should.
The vendor, being a retired engineer, clearly knew his way into getting the best out of the car, and we expect that even the most seasoned enthusiast will feel that familiar thrill when the car is weaving along a B-road at full pace. This really isn't one to be missed. image.png3.37 MB
BEFORE YOU BUY
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