1956 Jaguar XK140 FHC

Description

Few owners, the current since 1979; recent £50k refurb by CMC including rebuilt gearbox and full repaint in the original Pastel Green; matching numbers UK car; front disc brakes; a really super example all round

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). A close-ratio gearbox 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 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 738 were home market right-hand drive fixed-head coupes.

As the Heritage Certificate confirms, this particular XK140 is one of those 738 machines and was built in September 1955 finished in Pastel Green with a Suede Green interior, being supplied new via Henlys of London. The original buff logbook shows that the first owner was a Mr RC Fox of Bristol and it then had three further owners (the second being Jaguar historian and collector Philip Porter of the XK Club) before our vendor’s late-husband acquired it way back in 1979.

It comes with a truly vast history file extending right back to the 1960s which would take many hours to digest. It seems that the car has never been restored as such, just treated to meticulous upkeep and servicing throughout its life. We are told that it attended various Jaguar club events during the current ownership, winning a trophy or two along the way, including Best in Class at the Jaguar XK 50^th Anniversary Meeting in 1998.

There are over 30 old tax discs and over 20 old MOTs which show that the car has been in constant light use, the mileage rising from 54,609 in 1977 to today’s total of 74,327 miles. In 2014 it was converted to front disc brakes, a desirable if costly upgrade which transforms the driving experience. An uprated aluminium radiator has also been fitted at some point.

When our vendor’s husband passed away in 2019, she decided to honour his love for the car by sending it to CMC of Bridgnorth with instructions to bring it up to showroom condition following a period in storage. This ultimately cost over £50,000 and included: a full repaint in the original Pastel Green; complete rebuild of the original Moss gearbox; new clutch kit; carbs rebuilt; full brake system overhaul with new servo and master cylinder; steering and suspension overhauled; new engine mountings; five new Pirelli Cinturato tyres; full service plus much else besides, all detailed in copious invoices on file.

During the refurbishment CMC commented on the originality of the car and the good state of preservation, stating that it drove beautifully on an extended test drive with lively performance and “probably the best Moss gearbox we have ever driven”. In a letter dated June 2021, they also stated that in view of its originality, condition and extensive history, it should be insured for at least £80,000.  

This expertly refurbished and matching numbers UK supplied XK140 has been starting promptly and running sweetly as we have moved it around on site, with good 40psi oil pressure. One of the nicest examples we have seen, it is on offer here at a very attractive guide price. Bid vigorously now and it could be you who drives it home!

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com