Description
This car is Lot 157 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Goodwood Auction on Saturday September 13th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Friday September 12 from 09:00 until 17:00, Saturday September 13 from 09:00 at The Goodwood Revival.
Lot 157
1956 Jaguar XK140 Drophead Coupé
Registration no. 56 LH 1 (Republic of Ireland)
Chassis no. S817514DN
Delivered new to the USA
C-Type cylinder head
Imported into Ireland in 1989
Restored and converted from left- to right-hand drive
Continuously maintained by a meticulous Jaguar enthusiast
Newly introduced for 1955, the Jaguar XK140 was broadly similar to, though more refined than, its sensational XK120 predecessor, major engineering changes being confined to the repositioning of the engine 3 further forward and the adoption of rack-and-pinion steering. The suspension and brakes remained much as before, though with stiffer torsion bars at the front and telescopic shock absorbers replacing lever type at the rear. Outwardly the newcomer was distinguishable by its revised radiator grille, rear lights incorporating flashing indicators and larger bumpers, the latter adopted to withstand the cut and thrust of urban parking.
The power unit remained Jaguars well-tried, 3. 4-litre, twin-cam six, which now produced 190bhp in standard trim thanks to higher-lift camshafts and revised porting. To ensure reliability, steel bearing caps replaced the previous cast-iron type. A close-ratio gearbox enabled better use to be made of the increased performance and overdrive became an option for the first time. Special Equipment (SE) cars came with wire wheels and Lucas fog lamps, and could be ordered with an engine developing 210bhp courtesy of the C-type cylinder head. XK140 performance was well up to the standards set by its exemplary predecessor, contemporary road-tests regularly recording top speed figures in excess of 120mph.
This XK car is well known in Ireland, having entered many rallies and winning competition awards over the years at competition. Originally a left-hand drive model equipped with the desirable C-Type cylinder head, this Jaguar XK140 was sold new in the USA where it was given the VIN 'P3662'. The last US title was numbered 'the details below' when the Jaguar was sold for export from the Commonwealth of Kentucky on 7th October 1988. The car was imported into Ireland 26th October 1989, acquired by a Dr Laurence Swann, a tremendous Jaguar enthusiast, and registered as '56 LH 1'. Later that same year the XK was extensively refurbished and converted to right-hand drive by David Dunn of Rathfarnham, Dublin). In 2003 it was resprayed Navy Blue and within the last few years was refinished again (according to our vendor the current paintwork is very good). Other notable features include an oil cooler; a removable auxiliary electric cooling fan; and an aluminium radiator and aluminium header tank (replacing the steel originals). The XK has benefited from continuous maintenance since 2003 with the last significant restoration work carried out in 2023 at a cost of 3, 500.
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
