The second iteration of the world-beating ‘XK’ sports cars of the 40s-60s, the XK140 is a stunning piece of machinery. With a potent and characterful inline-six up front and a beautifully appointed interior, they were the perfect transportation for the driver who wanted to not only cross continents at pace, but with style to spare.
Of course, they remain an eminently desirable and collectible machine. This particular example was shipped new to the United States – one of just 1,965 LHD Fixed Head Coupes built, according to the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club. Having been converted from its original automatic transmission to a manual with overdrive, and benefitting from a quality restoration inside and out a few years back, this stunning vehicle is now ready for a new owner to cherish.
The History and Paperwork
First registered in February 1956, in the United States
We’re told the car was extensively restored in 2013/14
Imported to the UK and registered in March 2015
One owner since import to the UK
One of just 1,965 LHD Fixed Head Coupes built, according to the Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club
66,014 miles on the clock, on a five-figure odometer
Historic vehicle status – tax and MOT exempt
The vendor tells us that a Heritage certificate is available
The Interior
Newly retrimmed leather upholstery
Refreshed and renewed dash and wood veneers
Original Smiths gauges
Everything is reported to work just as it should
Finished in smart light grey leather, the cabin was retrimmed during the restoration and the work has clearly been done to a very fine standard. We saw minimal evidence of use on the seats or door cards, and there’s certainly no damage or wear we could identify. The bucket seats have also been fitted with a new set of Luke harnesses.
New grey carpets with complementary binding have been installed and show very well, with no staining, threading or damage apparent at all. Similarly, the light grey headlining has obviously been replaced and remains in excellent condition, with no sagging or damage on display.
The vendor tells us that the wooden dashboard and other walnut veneered items, such as the door caps, were all renewed during the restoration. Certainly, they present beautifully, with a handsome sheen and no signs at all of warping, cracking or delamination.
A full complement of original Smiths gauges bedeck the dash and wear a charming level of patination, as do the rest of the controls and the internal brightwork. It all adds up to give the cabin a wonderfully luxurious but ‘of its time’ atmosphere. The vendor reports no faults or issues with any of the cabin’s features.
Behind the seats there is a large storage cubby, where the wheel removal tools are stored. At the back, the boot is deep and generous – more than enough for a spot of grand touring. It’s trimmed out in black carpet and also carries a full-size spare wire wheel.
The Exterior
Resprayed in attractive dark blue colour scheme
Lovely brightwork and badging
Period wire wheels with spinners
Draped in endlessly curvaceous bodywork, the FHC is a sight to behold. Beautiful from every angle, the lines are well enhanced by the lovely dark blue paintwork. We’re informed the car was subject to a bare metal respray during the restoration process, with a number of body panels including the wings, inner wings, door skins and boot floor all being replaced.
Certainly, it presents extremely well, with smooth, glossy paintwork and clean panels that show no evidence of corrosion or damage we could discern. There are a handful of chips and minor blemishes, but nothing that would concern us. Gaps and shut lines look nice and consistent too, while the brightwork wears a warm and gentle patina that just hints at the car’s age. Meanwhile, the badging, light lenses and glass elements all display well, with no discernible cracks or chips.
Glancing underneath, we see the underside is in very good condition. Floor and sills look straight and clean, while the drivetrain components we could see look very tidy too.
The car is still riding on the correct period, 16-inch chrome wire wheels, with centre mounted ‘knock off’ spinners. They show in pretty good order, wearing heavier patina than the rest of the brightwork, but still very usable and smart overall. They are shod in a set of Vredestein Classic tyres.
The Mechanics
3.4-litre inline-six
Four-speed manual transmission with overdrive
Engine and rear axle rebuilt
Brakes upgraded to discs all round
Comprehensive suspension refurbishment
Live rear axle and independent front wishbones
Sonorous and full of personality, Jaguar’s 3.4-litre inline-six, with its twin SU carburettors, is a great engine. Driving 190bhp and 210lb-ft to the rear wheels when new, it gives the XK140 a great turn of pace.
We’re informed that the car was originally supplied with an automatic transmission. As part of the restoration, this was replaced with a more desirable Moss manual transmission with overdrive. Combine that with the brake upgrade – replacing the original drums with discs all round – and you have a car that’s classically alluring but perfectly suited to driving on modern roads too.
The vendor informs us that significant work has been carried out on the car during the restoration, this includes:
Complete engine and rear axle rebuild
Suspension rebuild, with new GAZ dampers
Stainless steel exhaust system
Steering rack refurbishment
Radiator record and a new header tank fitted
Electronic cooling fan fitted
Summary
Substantially restored in UK a few years ago after being imported from the United States, this handsome XK140 FHC remains in very good condition, with some choice mechanical upgrades and improvements to make it very drivable on modern roads.
We think this lovely machine presents a great opportunity to acquire a fine example of one of Jaguar’s finest cars.
Notice to bidders
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