Offered for sale is this much-loved 1956 Jaguar XK 140 SE FHC.
The XK140 replaced the outgoing XK120 and introduced several improvements over its predecessor. Telescopic shock absorbers replaced the lever arm design of the XK120, brakes were uprated and rack and pinion steering installed. Importantly, interior space was increased over its cramped predecessor by moving the engine, firewall and dashboard forward by three inches. The SE model featured the ‘C-Type’ cylinder head and was the most powerful iteration, producing 210 bhp over the 190 bhp of the standard car.
Completed on the 6th September 1956, chassis S815807 was sold to the USA via Jaguar Cars, New York. US registration cards on file show the car was resident in California from 1974 until 1989 when it was reimported to the UK.
The XK was subject to a full body-off restoration in 2004 during which it was converted from LHD to RHD. Newly finished in a deep Burgundy the XK also received some sensible upgrades by respected specialists Twyford Moors which resulted in a high-performance, very well sorted example suited to modern traffic conditions.
The original engine (number: G8803-8S) was rebuilt by Chesman Engineering, the engine division of respected XK specialists Guy Broad. The C-Type cylinder head received hardened valve inserts suitable for unleaded petrol and the twin S.U. carburettors were rebuilt with parts from Burlen Services. A manual choke was fitted, operated from a crystal electric switch on the dashboard. A new Facet fuel pump was installed along with a modern-type oil filter. An alternator replaced the dynamo and ignition was updated to electronic operation. A high-specification sports coil was also installed along with a heavy-duty battery. A bespoke aluminium expansion tank, Revotec electric fan and thermo-switch aid cooling.
Sensibly, Guy Broad replaced the original Moss gearbox with the favoured Getrag five-speed, all-synchromesh unit. The original gearbox (no: JL35925 CR) and prop-shaft remain with car. Also present is a spare early XK 150 gearbox with Laycock de Normanville overdrive, identical to the original XK 140 item.
A stainless-steel exhaust system was fitted, and the front brakes were converted to discs with Guy Broad twin-pot callipers. The original drums and shoes also remain with car.
The XK was completely rewired, with a 160 Amp mega fuse to preclude fire risk. Block electrical connectors were fitted to the dashboard for easy removal and battery cut-out switch was installed.
Inside is a Motorlite 17” wood-rimmed steering wheel and a new/spare 18” black steering wheel which matches the original is also present. Seats and door cards were retrimmed in new biscuit leather by Guy Broad and new matching carpets installed. In addition to the original seats, two bucket seats (also in biscuit leather) were made and accompany the car.
Wheels are chrome wires with a set of five body-coloured wires also present. Tyres are Vredestein radials. A leather strap was fitted to safeguard the bonnet.
Other practical additions include a mobile phone/SatNav connection, electric windscreen washer, Quartz Halogen headlights and fog and spot lamps.
A tool kit is also present, along with a history file containing Heritage Certificate, multiple invoices and photographs that document the body-off restoration.
Today the car remains in excellent order and is ‘on the button’. The upgrades have resulted in a highly useable car for events and touring and as the original gearbox, prop-shaft and brakes are still with the car, a future owner could return it to original specification if desired.
Due to the unfortunate loss of storage space this well-loved car is now available for sale.
Contact Form
Contact form