Highlights

Exceptional restoration with over £35,000 spent since 2018
Full matching numbers car
C-type cylinder head, twin SU carbs, twin exhausts, overdrive (like a fifth gear)
British racing green

The Appeal

Introduced for the 1955 model year, the XK140 was a development of the XK120, and continued its winning formula. It may have only been in production for three years - but it was a hugely influential part of the Coventry catalogue. This was a ‘Big Cat’ loaded with style, from its sweeping lines and curved bonnet to its distinct, full trunk. It was a great performer, and became a particular hit with American audiences.

Even more distinguished was this XK140 SE - 'Special Equipment' - with a competition-proven C-Type cylinder head (taken from their successful run winning Le Mans in 1951, 1953, 1955, 1956 and 1957) and providing a hearty 210BHP further amplified by the car's excellent overdrive.

An XK140 SE could achieve a top speed of 120–125 mph (193–201 km/h). With these figures it would be advertised as "same performance as an Aston Martin, but half the price".

This particular example was originally part of the well known American Stroh beer family's car collection. It is built to American LHD spec and comes to us in good, solid condition. With further improvements, we’ve no doubt this could become a Concours car.

The History and Paperwork

UK manufactured on 10th April 1956
1st owner: American Eric Stroh
Collected personally from Jaguar Coventry factory and driven in UK on UK plate (now restored)
Taken to USA as part of the Stroh car collection (memory of this on email from his daughter)
Believed only 4 owners in 62 years
Returned to UK in 2018 and taken into current ownership
Restored from 2018 to 2019
Further restoration in 2021
Restoration work is fully itemised on invoices included in the paperwork photos - included extensive improvement but not a full body-off restoration
Now has original UK registration restored but also its original USA black and yellow number plate
Car indicates 69,597 miles on a five-figure odometer - due to vehicle age we cannot verify this as an authentic mileage
Valid MOT until 30th of June 2023
Paperwork file includes:
- Plenty of invoices
- Correspondence and inspection reports from specialists
- Latest MOT certificate
- Production Record Certificate from the Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust
- V5 document
Red Jaguar branded car cover included
Almost identical to Jaguar XK140 SE Drophead owned by Harrison Ford (see photo)

The Interior

Attractive period interior with wood trim
Highly original and still accurate to the car’s production record
Original period instruments
Radio aerial with dashboard recess

With a good period patina, this XK140’s interior is looking its age, but has lost none of its mid-century milieu. The crackled nature of the dashboard adds a charm of its own. However, it’s all in good working order, according to the vendor.

We note some cracks to the steering wheel cover, and some loose trim.

The seats look in good, usable condition with some light wear, while the door cards are carrying plenty of charming age-commensurate patina, but no major faults. The carpets look to be in good order, virtually new.

The boot looks in good order, and conceals a spare wheel.

The Exterior

British racing green paintwork
Straight bodywork with good door gaps
Beige soft top (almost new)
Jaguar branded wire spoke wheels
Includes original Jaguar J-type headlights

The exterior of this XK140 is still highly beguiling. The car is looking a little age worn in places, with a gentle swirling to the paint and a patina to the chromework, but it’s still a great looking example of the Drop Head Coupe.

There’s the odd blemish, chip or scratch, but the bodywork itself looks in good order with no significant faults apart from bonnet hinge and bonnet catch lever need replacing. The glasswork and lenses are free of chips or cracks, and the car is perched atop a good set of Jaguar branded wheels - which are shod in a full set of radial retro tyres.

The soft-top is in good order, with only light wear, and the clear rear panel is in good condition. Underneath the car, we can see some surface corrosion. The MOT highlighted the body mounting on the nearside rear and the bushes as being somewhat worn.

The Mechanics

Powered by Jaguar’s 3.4L XK 6-Cylinder twin overhead cam engine
C-Type head with twin SU carbs
Stainless steel twin exhausts
Fully rewired with new wiring harness
Fully rebuilt overdrive

Fully rebuilt during restoration, this XK140’s powerful engine is in very good order. The car is fully matching numbers to its original production record, and is performing well, with zero mechanical faults reported save for a slight oil leak and a slight play in the rear uj. The engine and overdrive have all been rebuilt accordingly. The car starts easily having had the dynamo replaced with an alternator ( “Dynamator”)

The car’s original period modifications upgrade it to an impressive 210HP, and make this car a highly drivable pick for any dedicated enthusiast. With that distinctive Jaguar engine tone and its simply exceptional performance, it's sure to turn heads and capture hearts.

Summary

This is a beautiful highly original, and in a very desirable spec, C-Type XK140.

Whether it’s for a cosmetic restoration or as a classic daily, this is a rare opportunity that’s sure to capture envious eyes out on the road.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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