Description
This car is Lot 129 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Paris Sale on Friday January 30th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available January 27th from 09:00 until 18:00, January 28th from 09:00 until 18:00, January 29th from 09:00 until 18:00, and January 30th from 09:00 at Polo de Paris.
Lot 129
Offered from Les Belles Endormies - The Pierre Strinati Collection
1956 Jaguar XK140 Coupé
Chassis no. 804503
Auction Estimate €25000 - 45000
One of only 843 XK140 fixed-head coupés made with right-hand drive
Delivered new to Switzerland
Strinati family ownership from new
Believed genuine 3, 150 kilometres from new
Requires recommissioning
Launched in 1954, 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 as used on the racing C-Type. The suspension and brakes remained much as before, though with stiffer torsion bars at the front and telescopic shock absorbers at the rear, replacing the previous lever type. As before, three models were offered: roadster, coupé and drophead coupé, the latter two offering usefully increased cabin space and occasional rear seats. Outwardly the newcomer was distinguishable by its revised radiator grille, rear lights incorporating flashing indicators, and larger bumpers.
The power unit remained Jaguar's well-tried, 3. 4-litre, twin-cam six, which now produced 190bhp in standard trim. A close-ratio gearbox enabled better use to be made of the increased performance, while Laycock-de Normanville overdrive became an option for the first time.
An original right-hand drive model, this XK140 coupé was despatched from the factory on 6th March 1956 to Jaguar agent Garage Claparède in Geneva, Switzerland, and on 6th April 1959 was sold by them to Madame Jeane Strinati, Pierre Strinati's mother, who is listed on the accompanying JDHT Certificate as first owner. The aforementioned heritage certificate records the original colour scheme as Cream with red interior, but Claparède's invoice states that the car was Grey (the colour it is today). A note written by Mr Strinati himself mentions that the car was Cream when imported (as attested by the swiss customs documents), so it must have been repainted upon its arrival in Geneva.
The odometer reading is 3, 150 kilometres, which could very well be the distance covered from new given the car's remarkable state of preservation the car appears to have its fully original interior and exhaust manifold coating). Close inspection is recommended.
The car comes with instruction manuals; a wealth of Jaguar Drivers' Club correspondence (Mr Strinati was a life member having owned several examples including, among others, an SS100, an XK150S and an E-Type, the last two bought new. As with all the other cars in the collection, the Jaguar has been stored on axle stands for many years and will require recommissioning.
Please note that if this vehicle is sold to a French private buyer or an EU private individual the reduced rate of Import VAT at 5. 5% will be charged on the hammer price. The Import VAT will be invoiced to you by our custom broker who will also charge a clearance fee. If you buy as a Trader or Company however, the Finances Publiques will charge you directly (based on our customs broker clearance) and the French VAT Import Charges will not appear on your Bonhams invoice. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, you are required to pay the VAT in your registered country at the relevant rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
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.
