77 RBF will be retained but is available by separate negotiation - Car will be sold on 835 UXV -

Highlights

Well presented example in classic red
Meticulously maintained with over £10,000 invested since 2020
Work has included engine, clutch and cooling system repairs
Full service by Guy Broad in August 2024
Comprehensive older rebuild and RHD conversion by Leaping Cats
3.4L engine with uprated all-synchro XJ6 overdrive gearbox ideal for touring
Recent new hood cover, side screens, and seat squabs
Never used in wet conditions and kept in heated garage under fitted covers
Current lady keeper since 2006 and part of a high end collection, acquired through CMC Bridge north

The Appeal

The Jaguar XK140 represented a significant evolution of the XK120, offering improved handling, more interior space, and enhanced braking while maintaining the stunning lines that made its predecessor an instant classic.

This particular example, with chassis number 5811668, has an interesting transatlantic history, having been originally exported to the USA through Hoffmans Jaguar before being repatriated to the UK in 1986.

Its comprehensive rebuild by John Brown of Leaping Cats makes it especially appealing, including conversion to right-hand drive and numerous mechanical upgrades. Having remained with its current owner since 2006, this cherished example has been meticulously maintained and stored in ideal conditions. Since 2020 over £10,000 has been invested, including engine work, clutch repairs, cooling system refurbishment and new hood, sidescreens and carpets.

With its RHD configuration and XJ6 overdrive manual all-synchromesh gearbox, this car is well set up for the long-distance touring for which these cars are renowned. It is a truly great, and much-loved example of these utterly gorgeous cars.

The vendor says:

“Easy and enjoyable to drive with surprising performance making it quite effortless on long runs in the sunshine. The looks of the car just make it! There are always people smiling and waving at this car wherever it goes.”

History and Paperwork

First registered in the USA in 1955
Factory production details included in file and shown in photos
Originally manufactured on 7th September 1955
Factory-finished in Pearl Grey with red leather
Exported to USA in original left-hand drive form and sold through Hoffmans Jaguar
Re-imported to the UK in 1986 and first registered here on 23rd December 1986
Underwent a ground-up rebuild and conversion to UK right-hand drive specification by John Brown of Leaping Cats
Seven registered keepers since returning to the UK
Current lady keeper who acquired the car in May 2006
Extensive history file documenting its life in the UK as shown in photos
Recent work summarised below with over £10,000 spent since 2020
New hood cover by Cliff Griffiths, brand new side screens by Aldridge Trim, and new seat squabs re-upholstered in original leather
Full service completed by Guy Broad on 21st August 2024
Periodically treated to full underbody wax treatment (Ankor Wax)
Never used in wet and carefully dry stored in a garage under cover when not in use
Currently part of a high-end classic car collection
V5C in the current keeper’s name
Various old and recent invoices as shown
Old MOTs and tax discs

Recent work summary:

21/08/24: serviced by Guy Broad
31/08/23: new hood and other components
31/07/23: new sidescreens
29/06/23: various trim items
21/11/22: carpets and other items
2021: £5,500 on engine, cooling, and other repairs
11/11/20: service, water pump, cylinder head and other work
18/09/20: clutch work and other repairs

The Condition

Bodywork presents well in red, refinished by John Brown of Leaping Cats from the original Pearl Grey
This work was undertaken in 1986 so some light aging to note in photos
New floor installed during restoration
There are a few paint chips and touched in areas to note in photos plus light microblistering
Panelwork is well kept with flush and consistent fit across doors as shown
Underside appears in very good order as documented in photos
Fitted with painted wire wheels in good order with classic Vredestein tyres
Recently fitted new roof and side screens which are in very good condition
Black leather interior retains some patina on the leather trim
Fitted with new carpets a few years ago
All interior components are well-maintained
The badges on the front will be removed on sale

This car’s classic bright red paintwork is the result of a comprehensive restoration in the 1980s by specialist Leaping Cats. The quality of that work is very clear from the photos, not least because it has stood up so well over the intervening near 40-years. Here a nod is also deserved to the UK keepers who have clearly looked after it. Including the current one who has owned it since 2006. The car was converted to RHD during the renovation work.

There are a few light points to note in the photos, mainly limited to touched in areas and stone chips.

The black leather interior received new carpets and seat squabs a few years ago and is in very good condition. There is also a recently fitted new hood and side screens. All parts were provided by reputable Jaguar specialists.

The Mechanics

3.4-litre inline-six engine
All-synchro XJ6 gearbox with overdrive on 4th gear
Original engine fully rebuilt during the 1986 restoration
Engine starts, runs, and performs well
Bilstein dampers fitted all round
Differential was replaced during the 1986 restoration
The vendor states the car drives exactly as it should
No known mechanical faults
Extensive recent mechanical work since 2020 as detailed above
Very tidy engine bay

A good XK140 makes a great touring car for classic rallies and events. This car benefits from sympathetic upgrades that ensure it does the job even better, such as an all-synchro XJ6 4spd manual gearbox with overdrive and uprated Bilstein dampers.

The car benefits from extensive maintenance since 2020, which we have summarised above and can be seen in photos. The work has included cylinder head work, clutch repairs and cooling system renovations. The car was serviced by specialist Guy Broad in August 2024 and has covered few miles since that work.

Arriving with us in fine working order, starting and running ‘faultlessly’ according to the seller, this is a very well-sorted XK140. A chance for the buyer to benefit from all that recent work.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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