1956 Jaguar XK140
HIGHLIGHTS
A Beautiful Example Ready for Touring
Body Off Restoration by Experts at XKs Unlimited
Sensitively Upgraded with Modern Ignition and 5-Speed gearbox
SPECIFICATIONS
VIN - A818830
Engine – 3.5L, Six Cylinder
Gearbox – 5 Speed Manual
Drivetrain - Front engine, RWD
PRICING INFORMATION
Price - SOLD
OVERVIEW
Built between 1954 and 1957 the successor to the XK120 was upgraded with more usable interior space, improved brakes, rack and pinion steering and improved suspension via telescopic shock absorbers. Sold as a 1955 model, changes were minor to the exterior design, but the interior was vastly improved, accommodating taller drivers by moving the engine forward, yielding 3 more inches of much needed legroom.
Configured as a Drophead Coupe (DHC), the XK140 featured a fixed windscreen blended into the cowl, wind-up side windows, and a fully collapsible top that could be lowered onto the body behind another distinctive feature of the Drophead Coupe, a small rear seat. Though mostly suitable for small children, the “occasional” rear seat was also effective at increasing luggage space for traveling couples seeking a bit of motoring adventure on more than weekend getaways. The interior was finished with a walnut veneered dashboard and door caps which gave the car an impressive touch of elegance to accompany the sporting nature of these cars.
According to a copy of the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate accompanying this car, this example was manufactured August 24, 1956. Configured in Left Hand Drive for US market delivery, the car was finished in black with a red leather interior and sand colored convertible top. The original selling dealer, Oversea Motor Co., Fort Worth, TX (one of the first dealerships to retrofit AC to Jaguars) was dispatched the car September 14, 1956. The car enjoyed ownership into the late 1970s when it was discovered at a used car lot by a couple living in Encino, CA. They purchased the car and set about restoration, eventually sending it to XKs Unlimited in San Luis Obispo, Ca, first in the late 1990s, then subsequently concluding in 2009. The car was treated to a body off restoration including a bare metal respray finished in Jaguar Platinum Metallic. The interior was finished with red leather upholstery and a blue canvas top. During the restoration all bright work was removed and re-plated and all systems addressed.
Of note, a pair of Lucas driving lights, dual exhaust, and Dayton 16” wire wheels are installed, indicative of the SE or Special Equipment model offered in the XK140. The SE variants are also noted on VINs beginning the letter “A”. The replacement block engine was rebuilt and blueprinted by XKs Unlimited in 2008. Allowances for modern driving included an upgraded Mallory ignition and a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, ideal for highway cruising. Other enhancements during restoration included the installation of a contemporary Sony CD stereo system with rear mounted speakers. Recent services from 2021 include an oil change, front end alignment, carburetor cleaning and adjustments, clutch and brake adjustments, a new thermostat, and new GAZ rear shock absorbers.
Today, this XK140 presents as a beautifully composed open touring car representing elegance and performance, truly in the Jaguar tradition. The silver metallic paint has been applied with care and presents very nicely with subtle metalflake gently undulating over the curvaceous body lines. The bodywork is excellent throughout with very good panel gaps and wonderful reflection lines defining the coachwork. The doors, hood, and trunk open and close smoothly with excellent latching over properly finished inner panels and strike surfaces. The chrome is in excellent condition including the often hard to align Jaguar grille, polished headlight trim, and beautifully detailed Lucas fog lamps. Emblems, and minor trim including the windscreen and surrounding windshield frame and chrome plated vent windows are all in excellent condition. The convertible top raises and lowers easily with positive latching at the windshield frame and taught canvas fit across the properly restored top bows. A set of period correct Vredestein Sprint Classic tires are mounted on stunning 16” Dayton wire wheels featuring chrome plated dual-eared knockoffs. Overall, the exterior visual presentation is both elegant and sporting, enhanced by the superb color combination and desirable drophead configuration.
The interior has been correctly restored using high quality leather and correct low pile carpet, factory correct seat pleats, smooth door panels with proper door pockets, and matching burlwood door caps. The supple leather seats are quite nice, properly bolstered, now slightly relaxed into a handsome finish reminiscent of Oxford library chairs. Carpeting is in very good condition and the rear seating area appears largely unused since the restoration was completed. The center tunnel is carpeted, sporting leather wrapping over the upgraded 5-speed gearshift lever and matching pleated leather between the two seats. The dash and instrumentation are in exceptional condition, adorned by beautifully detailed nomenclature, crisp needles, and richly contrasting dial faces. The veneered burlwood dashboard gleams with polished clarity supported by a Nardi aluminum and wood rim steering wheel, beautifully finished switches, a correct gearshift lever, and emergency brake handle, all of which are in very nice condition in keeping with authentic features for this XK140. The trunk is finished in matching red carpet, housing a Dayton wire spare wheel in the storage tub under the trunk floor. A set of contemporary rear mounted speakers are installed in the rear package shelf.
Under the hood, the beautifully finished dual-overhead camshaft engine sparkles with excellent finishes and correct components. Although the original engine was replaced in the 1970s with a replacement unit, the engine block currently in the car is numbered G 4827-8S (formerly a XK140 MC unit) and is fitted with head number KF 4692-9. The original engine block, noted as G-8785-8 is also indicative of engines found in factory original SE models. The engine has been updated with a Mallory ignition and a few minor enhancements for modern motoring. The engine and engine compartment finishes have only mildly mellowing since the restoration was completed, still reflective of a very handsome engine compartment overall. The polished aluminum castings are quite nice along with properly detailed features, correct factory hardware and correct type coatings to replicate original features. The undercarriage remains tidy and clean though some of the painted finishes have succumbed to typical heat cycles as the car has been enjoyed since the body-off restoration was completed.
The car starts easily and idles smoothly. Once warmed to operating temperature, driving is rewardingly easy through the 5-speed gearbox. Driving manners are remarkably good with brisk acceleration, soft cornering, and confident braking. The open coachwork, low seating position, and captivating color scheme contribute to a wonderful driving experience.
For anyone looking to acquire a truly fine vintage Jaguar suitable for touring, vintage events, or shows, this beautifully restored and thoughtfully updated Jaguar XK140 offers the next fortunate enthusiast a rare opportunity to own and drive one of the most iconic sports cars of the 20th century.
Please contact Jason Harris at +1-206-355-7727 for more information on this 1956 Jaguar XK140 DHC.
