Highlights

Desirable SE model with C-Type head delivering 210bhp when new and rare optional 2" sandcast C Type carbs, a combination delivering in excess of 210 bhp when new
Fitted with reconditioned fully synchromesh MOD gearbox
High-end restoration by marque specialists totalling £67,500 completed 2015
Attractive car in British Racing Green with matching wires and Suede Green leather
One of only 436 LHD 210bhp SE models factory fitted with overdrive
Current keeper since 1998
Large history file documenting restoration and recent maintenance
£18,000 invested via the same specialist since 2023 across various work
Converted to right-hand drive with upgraded servo-assisted front disc brakes

The Appeal

Jaguar’s ‘SE’ specification XK140 practically invented the modern supercar. The C-Type head pushed power beyond 210bhp to make it one of the fastest cars of the era. The fixed head coupe was the luxury choice, offering ‘2+2’ practicality with an extensively wood-lined cabin.

Just 1,289 export LHD FHC cars were built with the C-Type head. Just 436 were built with the factory manual overdrive gearbox, which is arguably the ‘ultimate’ XK140 spec. This 1956 factory SE joins that tiny group because it has been converted to ultra-rare MOD spec. It began its life in the USA before being repatriated by specialists Retro Classics in 1998, when it was acquired by the current keeper. It required restoration, which was completed in 2015. The work was extensive and touched every part of the car. Enthusiasts will be pleased to know it was undertaken by knowledgeable enthusiasts such as Leaping Cats Ltd, Phoenix Restoration, VSE Ltd, Trafford Engineering, and MCT Jaguar Restorations. The total cost exceeded £67,000 and included an engine rebuild, fitting a reconditioned gearbox, overhauling the suspension, brakes, steering and electrics and renovating the body. The car was repainted in fetching British Racing Green and retrimmed in factory-correct Suede Green. The extensive woodwork was also renovated.

Since 2023, nearly £18,000 has been invested via specialist Turner Classics across electrics, servicing, brake work, wiring, trim and attention to the wheels.

The car arrives with the buyer in fine order. This is clearly a much-loved, enthusiast-owned example whose rare specification and elevated condition make it stand out in the market.

History and Paperwork

Manufactured 24th January 1956 at Jaguar's Browns Lane factory, Coventry
Supplied to the US market via Jaguar Cars New York on 22nd February 1956
Reimported to the UK in 1998 by Retro Classics Ltd
In current ownership since 1998
Registered with DVLA January 2016
Single registered keeper in the UK
VIN number S815308BW confirms ‘SE’ spec with automatic gearbox
Jaguar Daimler Heritage Certificate shows chassis number, specification, and build date
Photographic record of the restoration as shown in photos
Large file of invoices documenting the restoration work
Library of original Jaguar sales literature and handbooks
Copy of Jaguar XK140 Explored by Bernard Viart, described by the vendor as being in mint condition
Converted to RHD during restoration work
Handwritten notes summarising restoration stating £67,547 cost
V5C
Registered as a Historic Vehicle

Recent maintenance by Turner Classics (further details in photos):

10/24 - £2,318 - electrics, suspension, brakes
01/24 - £1,788 - electrics and other work
10/23 - £2,773 - electrics, repairs to wheels
10/23 - c.£900 - electrics, servicing
03/23 - £10,197 - brakes, repairs, servicing, wiring etc

The Condition

Body restoration carried out by Leaping Cats Ltd, a Jaguar bodywork specialist
Rear wings and adjoining areas, both sills, and front sections of both front wings replaced
Chassis required only limited repair and was painted gloss black, as original
Body and chassis separated and sandblasted prior to restoration
Repainted in British Racing Green by Phoenix Restoration
Interior retrimmed in original Suede Green using a trim kit supplied by MCT Jaguar Restorations
Trim includes headlining, seat covers, carpets, dash casings, and boot linings
All interior woodwork replaced and veneered in burr walnut as per the original, including instrument panel, cubby box, door cappings, and cantrails
Floorboards, boot floor, and hinged flap between rear seats and boot also replaced
New wire wheels fitted at all four corners with new splined hubs
All electrical wiring is new, we are told
Recent repairs to wheels, electrics, wiring and dashboard as detailed above and in photos
Fitted with green painted wire wheels with matching spare and Michelin tyres
Underside as shown with some light age to note in photos
Front seats fitted with Jaguar-branded lap belts
Chromework rechromed during restoration, with some age to note to the rear bumper unit

The Mechanics

Rebuilt 3,442cc XK DOHC straight-six engine with C Type cylinder head
Converted to a manual overdrive gearbox during restoration
Rebuilt 4spd manual all-synchromesh gearbox with factory overdrive
Two-inch "sandcast" C Type SU carburettors
Engine dismantled and restored by VSE Ltd; cylinder head machined by Trafford Engineering
New exhaust valves, camshafts, pistons, and connecting rods fitted
New hydraulically operated clutch replacing the original mechanical arrangement
Front suspension stripped and rebuilt with all new bushes
Front drum brakes replaced with servo-assisted disc brakes, similar to those fitted to the XK150
Rear springs replaced; new linings fitted to the rear drum brakes
All brake pipes replaced in copper with new brake hoses throughout
Brake pressure balancing valve fitted between front and rear
Steering rack renovated and converted to right-hand drive
New stainless steel twin-pipe exhaust system as per Special Equipment specification
New stainless steel fuel tank, new SU fuel pump, and reconditioned original radiator
New pipes and hoses fitted throughout
All electrical components, including dynamo, starter motor, distributor, control box, indicators, and lights, were replaced or renovated
All instruments checked and renovated as necessary
£18,000 of recent maintenance by specialist Turner Classics, detailed above

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