Lot Ended
Description
Recently restored and in super condition; original UK market
car, one of only 839 made; matching numbers; Moss overdrive gearbox; superb
interior by BAS International; original number plate
Launched at the
1954 London Motor Show as the successor to the sensational XK120 which had
appeared in 1948, the XK140 was broadly similar to the outgoing model but
considerably more refined with a host of mechanical improvements.
Under
the bonnet the XK140 retained Jaguar's well-proven 3.4-litre twin-cam six, which
now produced 190bhp in standard trim thanks to higher-lift camshafts and revised
porting – up 30bhp from the standard XK120 and now capable of 140mph (hence the
name). Special Equipment (SE) XK140s came with a C-Type cylinder head which
boosted power to 210bhp, along with wire wheels and Lucas fog
lamps.
A close-ratio gearbox (with optional
Laycock de Normanville overdrive) enabled better use to be made of the increased
performance, as did stiffer torsion bars on the front suspension and new
telescopic shock absorbers to the rear. Steering was also improved with the
adoption of the rack-and-pinion set up from the Le Mans-winning C-Type
racer.
The luxuriously trimmed cabin was also notably roomier as the
engine and bulkhead were now three inches further forward, a modification which
created space for two occasional rear seats and also improved weight
distribution and handling. External changes were limited to a wider radiator
grille, rear lights incorporating flashing indicators, and larger bumpers front
and rear.
Three body styles were offered, fixed-head, roadster and
drop-head. A total of 8,956 XK140s were made before it was replaced by the
larger XK150 in 1957, of which just 2,789 were fixed-head coupes, only 839 of
them in right-hand drive.
First registered in
West Sussex in October 1955, this particular XK140 Fixed Head Coupe is one of
those original RHD cars and has recently undergone an extensive restoration
with the results you see today. Although there are only a few invoices
to show exactly what work was carried out, it was clearly a
very professional job and the car speaks for itself.
A ‘matching numbers’ machine that retains its original XK engine and
chassis, it has the correct Moss overdrive gearbox (as denoted by the DN chassis
number suffix). The bodywork is all in good shape with good panel fit,
rechromed brightwork and fresh Old English White paintwork, the car
being equally clean underneath.
The interior
is particularly impressive and has been fully retrimmed using top-quality
materials supplied by BAS International, widely regarded as the premier supplier
of period-correct interior trim for all classic Jaguar models. A complete new
wiring harness has been fitted along with a stainless steel exhaust system and a
new battery.
All mechanical aspects of the car
have been restored as required and we are told that the car drives as well as it
looks. It has been starting easily and running very nicely as we have driven it
around on site, with healthy oil pressure.
The
V5C records just two former keepers, our vendor acquiring the car in July 2023
to join his collection of classic cars. It retains its original Sussex-issue
number plate, UBP 261, which is transferable according to the
V5C.
Only reluctantly for sale due to an
impending house move and consequent loss of storage, this is a most attractive
XK140 that has covered very few miles since the restoration was
completed.
On offer here at a very enticing guide
price, it is ready for a new owner to enjoy and will turn heads wherever it
goes.
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970
309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com