***Vendor supplied images***
Highlights
- RHD UK supplied example that has latterly made its way to South Africa
- Restored by a previous owner, commencing in 1997 and taking several years
- The vendor informs us that the car runs beautifully and is fabulous to drive
- Matching numbers as confirmed by the heritage certificate
- Restoration photos included in the gallery
The Appeal
Sitting at the sporting end of the Jaguar range, the XK was intended as the car that would demonstrate the true on-road potential of William Heynes’ inimitable DOHC straight-six. The innovative engine proved formidable at Le Mans and, with the XK, Jaguar was able to offer this blistering performance to the general public.
The stylish XK140 remained in many ways similar to its XK120 predecessor, but featured a number of subtle alterations in the name of usability, improved comfort and a more contemporary appearance. We’re pleased to offer this charming and beautifully restored 1956 example. While now residing in South Africa, we understand that this car started life in the UK and has been cherished by a series of owners.
We’re informed that restoration work commenced in around 1997, taking several years to complete and the Jaguar remains in fantastic overall condition to this day. The quality of the work was evidently very high and we note that the interior is particularly impressive. The vendor reports that it drives beautifully, with ample performance, fine handling and with no mechanical faults to report.
The History and Paperwork
- Heritage Certificate
- Originally UK supplied
- Delivered new by PJ Evans, Birmingham and the original dealer was Hewitts Garage, Stourbridge
- The car later found its way to South Africa where it was restored by its owner
- Restoration work apparently commenced in around 1997 and took several years
- The vendor is unsure of the correct mileage as the odometer has evidently been reset
- South Africa export permit
- Heritage certificate confirms the car retains it's matching numbers engine
- Can be UK registered with the help of the Hertiage certificate
- Car being sold on a bill of sale
The Interior
- Thoroughly restored to an exemplary standard
- Fabulous woodwork
- Very few signs of wear
This Jaguar’s interior has been retrimmed beautifully, with high quality materials and to period-correct specification.
The leather seats are in excellent order and now starting to wear ever so slightly, producing an attractive patina as befits a classic car of this vintage. We couldn’t see any damage, excessive creasing or signs of dehydration to the leather and the vendor comments that it is all in fine order. The pale carpeting exhibits a few marks in the driver’s footwell, as one would expect from a car that’s been driven, although there’s certainly no heavy wear to report. The headlining looks in really nice shape and is correctly affixed.
The dashboard is particularly fine, with highly figured and expertly polished woodwork taking centre stage. Nestled within the centre console, which sits proud of the remaining dash fascia, we find the large and attractive Smiths instruments. The vendor assures us that everything works correctly, although we notice that the odometer still displays 0 miles.
Only light wear is evident to the controls, the switchgear presents well, apparently functioning without fault, and the interior door handles still look smart. The boot space is in really good order with nice carpeting.
The Exterior
- Attractive red paintwork
- Elegant coupé styling
- Chromed wire wheels
All Jaguar’s XKs looked immensely elegant and we enjoy how this XK140 presents in coupé form. There’s not a straight line in sight with that curvaceous bodywork conveying a sense of speed. It must have been quite the sight back in 1956 and this Jaguar still turns heads today.
The bodywork was evidently restored to a very good standard back in 1997 and the red paintwork has clearly been expertly applied. The vendor points out a few blemishes accrued through normal road use over the years, with a few areas of paint now showing some slight flaws. Overall, it still looks magnificent and can hold a lustrous shine without issue.
The bodywork appears really sound and the vendor comments that the car is incredibly solid, both topside and underneath with corrosion having been rectified when it was restored. They notify us that the driver’s door is slightly misaligned which will require a little work, but otherwise the panel gaps and shut lines look to be correct so far as we could discern. New door skins were apparently fitted during the restoration, so these are in good order.
The wire wheels present really well and add to the sporting aesthetic. The vendor assures us that the tyres are in good condition with plenty of tread remaining on each of them.
The Mechanics
- All major mechanicals reportedly original
- 3.8-litre straight-six XK engine
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Running well and driving very nicely according to the vendor
The vendor comments that all the major mechanical components are the original items, which is great to hear. The engine presents wonderfully under the long bonnet with all the wiring and fuel lines looking very tidy indeed.
We’re informed that it starts readily, runs well and provides plenty of performance. By the time this XK140 was produced, Jaguar were starting to offer automatic gearboxes but we’re glad to report that this example retains a manual transmission. We understand that this operates smoothly and the brakes continue to work as they should.
It’s amazing to think how old this Jaguar now is, especially once you’ve experienced the performance and handling for yourself. In period, it represented the cutting edge of British engineering.
Summary
This looks a fantastic and very usable example of one of our favourite classic Jaguars. Restored to a very good standard and apparently driving impeccably, we can certainly recommend this XK140.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
