Highlights

One of the best XK140s we’ve seen in a long while
Documented low mileage of 51,500 miles
Matching numbers car
Factory correct Carmen Red with matching red leather cabin
58th from last LHD OTS built by factory
Well known history dating back to car’s first registration
Has remained in same family since 1962
USA car registered with a single UK keeper since 2014
Extensive history and photographic record

The Appeal

More power, rack-and-pinion steering, better brakes and a more spacious cabin, combine with the pure style of the original XK120 to make the XK140 the ‘sweet spot’ in the evolution of Jaguar’s utterly gorgeous post-war sportscar.

This 1957 example was one of the very last LHD OTS cars to leave the Browns Lane line before the arrival of the XK150. It is an extremely good car that will tick two crucial boxes that we know appeal to buyers of these evocative cars: condition and provenance. The vendor tells us that the car has been in the same family since the early 1960s. After leaving the line, the car was exported to the USA and acquired by its second keeper in 1962. He retained it until 2014 when it passed to the current keeper. These details are verified by correspondence in the history file. Those records also support the low displayed mileage of 51,500 miles, as shown in the photos. We are told it is a matching-numbers car, as supported by DVLA and JDHT paperwork.

The same images show just how well this car presents. It retains its factory Carmen Red paintwork, black leather, and sits on rare matching steel wheels with chrome hub caps and embellishers. According to historical photos of the car from its time in the USA, it appears to have always been fitted with the open rear arches more commonly associated with wire-wheel cars, although this can’t be verified.

The current keeper has added 6,000 miles to the total since buying it in 2014. He tells us that it runs and drives like a car that has only covered 52,000 miles. This car has the provenance, specification and condition that we know serious collectors seek out.

History & Paperwork

First registered in early 1957 in North America
Chassis number 813224 identifies car as 58th from last XK140 OTS LHD
Correspondence form previous keeper’s wife verifying provenance and mileage
Mileage on purchase by seller in 2014 stated as 45,486 miles
UK registered since August 2014
Single UK keeper
Odometer shows 51,484 miles in photos
Older folder of history in red with Jaguar branding
JDHT certificate verifies details above and factory correct colour scheme
Historic photos of car appearing to date from 1960s or 1970s
Factory handbooks
V5C

Condition

Carmen Red paintwork in very good order with few signs of age
Red steel wheels with chrome hub caps and embellishers
Matching spare wheel
Vintage Michelin 16in tyres
Historic photographs of car confirm it has run these wheels for many years
Open rear arches more typically associated with wire wheel cars
Panel fit in photos is very good including doors which appear to fit flush and true
Underside as shown with evidence of undersealing
Very well kept red leather interior with matching carpets and dashboard
Interior looks barely used including driver’s seat
Four spoke factory wheel fitted
Supplied with aged but apparently original tan tonneau

The rightness of William Lyons’ beautiful XK design, especially the sleek OTS, shines out of these photos. It is a testament to the impressive condition of this 1957 OTS, notably its flush-panel fit and even paintwork. We particularly like the chromed steel wheels, which are a refreshing antidote to the more common wires.

Inside the cabin is finished to a similar condition and also factory correct in red. The seats look barely used and the carpets and dashboard present very well. The complicated trimming required for the door cards is in very good order too. The car comes with its original aged tonneau, which is a nice connection to its fascinating history.

The Mechanics

3.4L XK straight six engine
4spd ‘Moss’ manual gearbox
Matching numbers verified by JDHT certificate
History file supports the low displayed mileage

The torquey performance of the XK140 is well known; it is the provenance of any specific example that matters to buyers. The vendor tells us that this example is a matching numbers car with a genuine 51,500 miles from new. A check through the history file, including correspondence from previous keepers and JDHT certification, plus DVLA documents, supports this view.

The vendor has added 6,000 miles to the car since acquiring it 12 years ago. He tells us that it runs and drives very well with no issues.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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