Description
Chassis No. 807104 | Engine No. G3287-8
'The Jaguar XK140 is a very high-class machine that has more delightful qualities than almost any other car on the market. I have long ago given up wondering how they make them for the money; for sheer value there is nothing to compare with them in the high-performance field.' – John Bolster, Autosport.
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 Jaguar's 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.
Manufactured at the renowned Browns Lane Plant on 21st April 1955, this delightful XK140 Drophead Coupé was originally specified in Sherwood Green with a Suede Green interior. The car was dispatched to supplying dealer Henlys on 6th May 1955.
This Jaguar benefited from a comprehensive restoration completed in 1993 by the respected Yorkshire Classic Car Company. The work is extensively documented with accompanying invoices and a detailed photographic record. Restoration works included:
• Full strip-down of the vehicle
• Chassis sandblasted, hot zinc metal sprayed, and repainted
• Front body repairs with new panels fitted
• New rear body installation
• Complete engine rebuild, including all ancillaries
• Gearbox, overdrive, and rear axle rebuilds
• Reassembly using rebuilt or new components throughout
• Zinc plating of components wherever possible
• Bodyshell sandblasted and corrosion treated
• Full lead-loading and repaint in British Racing Green
• Waxoyl protection applied to body cavities and box sections
• Full retrim of the interior
• Recommissioning with rebuilt suspension and mechanical systems
Following completion of the restoration, the XK140 was exported to Germany in 1995 before returning to the UK in 2007, when it was acquired by its most recent custodian from a marque specialist.
Since restoration, the car has covered approximately 11, 000 miles. More recent maintenance and upgrades have included:
• Multiple services by Twyford Moors Classic Cars
• Installation of a Dynator alternator conversion
• Kenlowe electric cooling fan
• New SU fuel pump
• Adjustable shock absorbers
• Retempered suspension springs
Most recently, in April this year, the car received a £2, 400 service by Surrey Jaguar Centre.
A well-documented and charming XK140 DHC, offered with extensive restoration history and desirable long-term ownership provenance.
£69, 995
