Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the BRDC Classic 2026 - Competition Cars on Friday the 24th of July, The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN. Jaguar introduced the XK140 at the London Motor Show in October 1954, with production continuing until 1957. The model was developed from the XK120 with a clear emphasis on improved refinement, greater usability and enhanced long distance capability while retaining the core character of the XK sports car range. Styling revisions included a redesigned front grille with fewer and thicker slats, larger bumpers and updated rear light clusters incorporating indicators. Mechanical improvements included rack and pinion steering, telescopic dampers, and increased cabin space in the fixed head coupé allowing for occasional rear seating.
Power is provided by Jaguar’s 3. 4-litre twin-cam straight-six, mated to a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive as an optional extra for improved comfort when touring. In standard guise, the engine produced 190bhp with revised porting and higher lift camshafts improving both output and efficiency with steel bearing caps being introduced to improve durability under sustained load.
Whilst many XK140s were built for road use, chassis #804394 was developed with competition in mind. Converted by respected XK specialist Trevor Groom in 2001, it made its racing debut in the 2001 Jaguar XK Challenge, driven by Groom himself. Chosen for its solid and rust-free chassis, it was initially prepared to meet Class A regulations for mildly modified cars before being progressively developed through the season as the demands of competition dictated.
Early preparation included the fitment of disc brakes all round, followed by twin 2-inch SU carburettors replacing the original 1¾-inch units. A high-compression cylinder head was then installed, polished and ported and fitted with 1¾-inch valves, alongside a straight-through stainless steel exhaust system, an alloy radiator and header tank complete with airflow cowling while the four-speed gearbox with overdrive remains.
Further development included AVO adjustable shock absorbers, uprated suspension settings to achieve a lower ride height, and a 3. 3:1 limited-slip differential, creating a package optimised through real competition.
The XK secured victory in the XK Challenge in 2002 before going on to compete at Le Mans Classic in both 2004 and 2006. It has since been used in a wide range of national and international historic motorsport events, and predominantly fun track days in recent years, building a consistent record of active participation.
Finished in Gunmetal Grey following a repaint in 2019, the car presents well and is complemented by a red leather interior with sliding bucket seats and harnesses. The cabin remains purposeful and coherent in keeping with its competition focus, while retaining usability for regular events. The car is also offered with a UK V5C Registration Certificate and current HTPs until December 2026.
A fabulously well-developed FIA XK140 with genuine competition provenance and a history of continuous use, #804394 offers its next custodian a car that has been shaped by the demands of historic racing and proven in period competition, ready for continued enjoyment in whatever form its next chapter takes.
