Jaguar XK140 Fixed Head Coupé 1955
Highlights
- One of only 343 right-hand drive Fixed Head Coupés produced
- Body restoration to bare metal completed approximately six years ago, repainted in its original BRG color
- Matching serial numbers confirmed, with Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate on file
- Current ownership since 2018
The Appeal
Refining the revolutionary XK120 with improved interior space, rack-and-pinion steering, and increased performance, the XK140 took this already highly successful lineage a step further. True sporting capability, executive comfort, and a sedan with distinguished and elegant styling, featuring its characteristic grille, long hood, and graceful fenders. Right-hand drive examples are particularly rare, with only 343 produced.
This 1955 example—an unusually rare early model with a divided grille—was manufactured on February 17, 1955, according to the Jaguar Heritage Trust. It underwent a bare-metal body restoration, after which it was repainted in its original British Racing Green livery, in accordance with Heritage documentation. The car retains its original configuration with solid wheels and rear skirts. Mechanically, a sympathetic approach was adopted: while the braking system and cooling system were overhauled, the gearbox, steering, and overall mechanical architecture remain unchanged.
Purchased by the current owner in early 2018 from Chelsea Cars in London, the Jaguar is now located in southern France. It is accompanied by a current MOT and a file of invoices and receipts for parts purchases.
History and Documentation
Refining the revolutionary XK120 with improved interior space, rack-and-pinion steering, and increased performance, the XK140 took this already highly successful lineage a step further. True sporting capability, executive comfort, and a sedan with distinguished and elegant styling, featuring its characteristic grille, long hood, and graceful fenders. Right-hand drive examples are particularly rare, with only 343 produced.
This 1955 example—an unusually rare early model with a divided grille—was manufactured on February 17, 1955, according to the Jaguar Heritage Trust. It underwent a bare-metal body restoration, after which it was repainted in its original British Racing Green livery, in accordance with Heritage documentation. The car retains its original configuration with solid wheels and rear skirts. Mechanically, a sympathetic approach was adopted: while the braking system and cooling system were overhauled, the gearbox, steering, and overall mechanical architecture remain unchanged.
Purchased by the current owner in early 2018 from Chelsea Cars in London, the Jaguar is now located in southern France. It is accompanied by a current MOT and a file of invoices and receipts for parts purchases.
History and Documentation
- Manufactured on February 17, 1955, according to the Jaguar Heritage Trust
- Purchased by the current owner in early 2018 from Chelsea Cars in London
- The previous owner was an Englishman living in Portugal; sold as part of a collection
- Limited history available before the current owner's purchase; odometer reads 3,618 miles, but mileage cannot be certified
- File of invoices and receipts for parts purchases available
- Accompanied by a current MOT
- Registered with a collection registration in France
Condition
- Repainted in its original BRG color, in accordance with Jaguar Heritage documentation, with modern paint and clear coat/lacquer
- Stored in a closed garage
- Seats have an evocative patina, with no tears or holes
- Carpets and interior trim are recent
- Woodwork has been refinished
- Presented in its original configuration with solid wheels and rear skirts
- Bumpers were removed by the seller for aesthetic reasons; bumpers are reported in good condition
- All chrome trim has been replaced with new or rechromed, with the exception of the bumpers
- Headlights, battery, and tires are new
- Stainless steel exhaust installed
- All dashboard instruments are reported as functional, except the clock
- The seller reports no particular issues other than typical characteristics of a 1950s vehicle
Very elegantly presented, with restored paint and an excellent cabin, this curvaceous sports car is as beautiful as it should be. The car displays impressive and contrasting chrome, beautiful wood veneers, and still retains its rear skirts. It's a magnificent testament to the quality of the restoration and the enduring appeal of the XK140.
Mechanics
Mechanics
- 3,442 cc inline six-cylinder engine
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Engine dates from December 1955 and runs well according to reports
- Compression reported as good and balanced
- Electronic ignition and new wiring harness installed
- Fuel pump replaced with a Facet unit
- Complete clutch kit installed
- Braking system fully overhauled, including master cylinder, copper piping, wheel cylinders, pads, and all adjustment components
- Cooling system overhauled on the advice of Jaguar Exclusive; radiator replaced with an aluminum unit
- Rear dampers are adjustable and new; front dampers are reported in good condition
- No modern modifications to brakes, gearbox, or steering
The XK140 was a lively and spirited machine, with plenty of sporting character, capable of delighting the enthusiast. This example has benefited from considerable investment to keep it as active and characterful as ever. Much of this DNA is period-correct, with brakes, gearbox, and steering all present and correct, alongside numerous new components.
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