This Jaguar XK140 drophead coupe is one of the most extraordinary XKs to ever pass through our workshop. It is one of the most complete and original cars we have ever seen. Moreover, it has been in the same family from new, the history can be traced back to when it was new and the file includes some very special items including the original log book, Jaguar guarantee certificate and tax discs.

NFS 404 was manufactured on the 18th of May 1955. On the 27th of May 1955, it was dispatched to Rossleigh Motor Agents of Edinburg and was then sold through The Eastern Motor Company Ltd, Edinburgh in June 1955. The car was purchased by Mr Thomas Thompson and given to his son (also Thomas Thompson) for his 25th birthday. The younger Thomas Thompson was the uncle of the current owner. Thomas Thompson moved to Perthshire before dying in 1974 without ever marrying. He lived there with his sister who also never married. Upon Thomas Thompson’s death, NFS 404 was left to his sister who in turn died in 2010.

In 2010 the current owner, the nephew of the car’s first owner, came into the picture. Following the death of his aunt, he learned of the car’s existence and purchased it. At this point, NFS 404 had not been used very much for several decades and had last been driven in 1992. The car was stored well, had been coated in some sort of wax and had some rather fetching tiger print seat covers over the interior protecting the seats. A true barn find!

Upon purchasing the car, it was trailered down to us at Twyford Moors to be assessed ahead of a sympathetic restoration. When NFS 404 arrived here we were astounded by its originality and condition. The car had covered only 11, 206 miles and had clearly been well cared for. With the car cleaned up, all the body and chrome were in a rather good condition. We had been told the engine turned so with some oil poured down the boards the engine was carefully turned over by hand. The electrical system was checked over and it was found that even the battery was still taking a charge. The only things not working were one side light and the fuel pump. With a new fuel pump fitted and some fresh fuel, we were able to start and drive the car. The car was such a special find that Philip Porter of the XK Club came down to inspect and photograph the car for his book The Original XK.

After much discussion to plan the best way to preserve the car whilst making it drivable, usable and reliable for the owner the restoration process was begun. The goal agreed upon was to preserve originality wherever possible, to restore the car to ensure it was preserved for another 60 years and to add some well-chosen hidden upgrades to improve reliability and the driving experience. The car has been restored in the original colour scheme reusing as many original parts as possible. It retains its original steel wheels and spats as it came from the factory. The original seats were painstakingly cleaned and fed and have been refitted to the car. This combined with the original dashboard wood gives the interior a nicely patinated and period feel. Much of the original chrome was retained and cleaned. The dashboard even still has the original enamel badge from The Eastern Motor Company Ltd. The original radio has been retained but upgraded to receive FM and to connect to your phone via a headphone connection. NFS 404 still retains its original engine and overdrive gearbox which have been fully rebuilt. The car even has its very rare original tool kit.

The car has also been sympathetically upgraded for reliability and drivability without compromising the car’s original look. It now benefits from an alternator, electric cooling fan, header tank, electric power steering, electronic ignition and disc brakes. Additionally, NFS 404 has an upgrade wiper system and an E-Type electric washer bottle wired to the original XK switch in the cabin. Inside the car has a set of chrome buckled seat belts, footwell lighting and a hidden charging socket. The car also has a set of period-style leather fitted luggage.

This Jaguar XK140 offers a unique opportunity to own an XK which has covered less than 14, 000 miles from new and has a fully documented history. The owner has even had a beautiful book put together documenting the car’s history, its restoration and its last few years in his ownership. We believe this car strikes a perfect balance between originality and restoration. All the original parts give this car a charming period look with hidden upgrades making it a delight to drive. This XK might just be the finest example we have ever seen.