1955 Jaguar XK140 SE DHC
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Highlights
- Fully restored example
- A truly gorgeous vehicle
- Drives superbly
- Converted to RHD
- Full history file, with plenty of paperwork
The Appeal
The XK140 is arguably one of the most desirable British vehicles to date, combining the elegant styling similarities of the XK120 with a host of technical upgrades. Powered by a 3.4L straight six, the XK140 provides a rather rewarding driving experience, with the benefit of improved comfort and handling over its predecessor.
Within the XK140 lineup, sits the iconic Drophead variant, known for its foldable roof, certainly boasting the upper hand over open-top models in challenging weather. The Drophead coupe also featured a small space for rear seats, as well as various attractive details such as the walnut veneer dashboard.
Today, very few examples of the XK140 exist to be seen in the wild, with far fewer of the original number being the Drophead variant. Despite its rarity, the XK140 now presents a fantastic opportunity to experience one of Jaguar’s finest driving machines, with the added benefit of elegance found only with an older Jag. If you’re looking for a beautiful, yet usable classic XK, this XK140 DHC should be at the top of your list.
The History and Paperwork
- 4 former UK owners
- Restored to an incredibly high standard
- Converted from a left-hand drive to a right-hand drive
- USA Import
- Well maintained
- Huge history and paperwork folder
- Reproduction owner’s handbook
- V5C document present
This XK140 was dispatched from the factory in December 1956 to Hornburg of Hollywood, as shown on the included heritage certificate. The vehicle was no doubt enjoyed throughout its time in the states, prior to returning to the UK in the late ‘80s.
Upon returning to the UK, the vehicle was restored by Jaguar legend Nigel Dawes and then enjoyed by the next UK owner for the following 25 years. Throughout their ownership, the car was fitted with a Getrag 5-speed gearbox, a high ratio back axle, and disc brakes all round. In 2010, the car was also treated to an engine overhaul, complete with a new stainless steel exhaust and 123 electronic ignition system.
Upon returning to the UK, the vehicle was restored by Jaguar legend Nigel Dawes and then enjoyed by the next UK owner for the following 25 years. Throughout their ownership, the car was fitted with a Getrag 5-speed gearbox, a high ratio back axle, and disc brakes all round. In 2010, the car was also treated to an engine overhaul, complete with a new stainless steel exhaust and 123 electronic ignition system.
The car was obtained by the current keeper in November 2016, by which time the earlier restoration had begun to show signs of age. Being a Jaguar enthusiast and highly regarded C-Type, D-Type, and XJ13 replica builder under “Proteus Cars”, the current keeper decided the car deserved a rather extensive restoration.
The restoration process involved completely stripping the car down to a bare shell, retrimming the interior in suede green, repainting the vehicle in Jaguar dark racing green, fitting a new mohair hood, re-plating chrome trim, and converting the car to RHD. The car was also given re-varnished woodwork, an overhauled engine compartment, a new exhaust, and much more. The total expenditure for the work completed exceeds £18,000 in parts alone.
The restoration process involved completely stripping the car down to a bare shell, retrimming the interior in suede green, repainting the vehicle in Jaguar dark racing green, fitting a new mohair hood, re-plating chrome trim, and converting the car to RHD. The car was also given re-varnished woodwork, an overhauled engine compartment, a new exhaust, and much more. The total expenditure for the work completed exceeds £18,000 in parts alone.
After completing the restoration in July 2017, the car has covered just over 4,000 miles and has performed admirably along the way. Now, more space is needed to make way for a new project car, and this gorgeous XK140 is ready to be enjoyed by its lucky new owner.
In addition to an incredible collection of invoices for parts and labour, the vehicle also comes with previous MOT certificates, a framed Classic Car Portrait of the vehicle by Graeme Jenner, a heavy-duty dust cover, seat backs, and the V5C document.
In addition to an incredible collection of invoices for parts and labour, the vehicle also comes with previous MOT certificates, a framed Classic Car Portrait of the vehicle by Graeme Jenner, a heavy-duty dust cover, seat backs, and the V5C document.
The Interior
- Suede Green
- Excellent condition
- New fully lined and padded mohair hood & matching cover
- Re-varnished woodwork
- New steering wheel
- Sound and heat insulated
- Individual seat conversion
- Custom central armrest
- Custom removable rear shelf
Much like the exterior of the vehicle, the interior of this XK140 is in excellent condition, benefitting from some truly beautiful craftsmanship and plenty of care. With plenty of experience building first-class Jaguar replicas, the current owner has flexed their upholstery muscles, giving this Drophead a unique suede green interior.
Originally, the drophead coupe would have been fitted with a front bench arrangement, but looking to improve the interior where possible, the current keeper has replaced the seat backs with individual ones. Having covered around 4000 miles since being fitted, both front seats are of course in excellent condition, with no noticeable signs of wear. Between both seats is a custom central armrest/glove box in matching green.
In the rear, you’ll notice a custom rear shelf, which provides plenty of welcome storage space for the hood cover when not in use. Although the shelf is a very welcome addition to the otherwise rather minimal interior, it is easily removable with very little effort.
Having been re-varnished as part of the recent restoration, all interior woodwork is also in excellent condition, showing off a superb finish. Accompanying the glossy wood trim pieces are tidy gauges, controls, and dials, all of which are in full working order with minimal signs of use on contact points.
As the photos will reflect, there are hardly any areas in which the interior of this gorgeous Jaguar can be faulted. The cabin will certainly provide a very comfortable experience for many years to come, standing out from the crowd whilst doing so.
The Exterior
- Freshly resprayed in Jaguar Dark Racing Green
- Expertly restored
- Re-chromed trim pieces
- Excellent condition
- New mohair hood
- Matching painted wheels
- Iconic XK styling
Not one to settle for a less than superb finish, the current keeper ensured the vehicle was treated to a fresh respray as part of its recent restoration, in the correct Jaguar Dark Racing Green paint. As the vehicle has covered very few miles since being restored, the paintwork still retains a superb finish, with only a few minor blemishes. Perhaps most notable, are marks from a previously fitted luggage rack on the rear, which have only appeared after quite some time following the restoration.
It should also be noted that at the time of photography, there are various rain spots on the paintwork. These are without a doubt specks of water, and not defects within the paintwork unless otherwise described.
To pair with the bodywork, all 5 wheels have been painted in the matching racing green, and now sport Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres with plenty of tread to begin. All chrome pieces have also received attention over the years, being re-plated where needed. Likewise, all badging, trim pieces, and lights are in excellent condition, leaving very little to be further desired. The car also sports a new lined and padded mohair roof, which presents itself beautifully with no noticeable defects.
Overall, this is certainly one of the most beautiful examples available today, finished in a truly iconic colour. Although not concourse, the exterior would easily garner the consideration of show judges at leading classic car shows, and certainly won’t disappoint as part of a collection.
The Mechanics
- 3.4L straight-six engine
- 5-speed Getrag gearbox
- 123 electronic ignition
- High-ratio back axle
- Disc brakes all round
- Drives brilliantly
- Stainless steel exhaust
- New enameled exhaust manifolds
- Electric radiator fan switch
- Battery cut-off switch
- LED indicators within the tail lights
Buyers will be pleased to know that this mighty Jaguar fires up right away, and performs without a single known fault. The 3.4L straight six lump hiding under the bonnet happily purrs away at idle, and delivers plenty of power throughout the rev range, emitting a rather tasteful note through the stainless steel exhaust.
The vehicle also features disc brakes all round, certainly a welcome upgrade over the standard equipment, especially when driven in spirited conditions. In addition to this, the car boasts a huge assortment of new and refreshed mechanical components, as the extensive paperwork will clearly reflect.
With thousands spent on ensuring the vehicle performs perfectly, there is no doubt this XK140 will make a very capable weekend toy for an enthusiast, and will no doubt continue to turn heads wherever it ventures
Summary
This stunning Jaguar XK140 benefits from an extensive restoration, incredible levels of care, and top-level craftsmanship, and now stands as one of the greatest examples available worldwide.
If you’re looking for a useable classic Jaguar that requires nothing to be enjoyed, this stunning Drophead Coupe certainly won’t disappoint.
If you’re looking for a useable classic Jaguar that requires nothing to be enjoyed, this stunning Drophead Coupe certainly won’t disappoint.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1955
- Make Jaguar
- Model XK140 DHC
- Colour Dark Racing Green
- Odometer 27,694 Miles
- Engine size 3442
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Bolton
- Location Lancashire
- Country United Kingdom
48
bids
- Ja•••• £85,000 08/08/22
- ma•••• £85,000 07/08/22
- JC•••• £84,500 07/08/22
- ma•••• £84,000 07/08/22
- JC•••• £83,000 07/08/22
- ma•••• £82,000 07/08/22
- JC•••• £81,000 07/08/22
- ma•••• £80,000 07/08/22
- JC•••• £79,000 07/08/22
- Li•••• £78,000 07/08/22
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