1955 Jaguar XK140 FHC

Jaguar cars launched the XK140 at the London Motor Show in October 1954 with a raft of improvements over its predecessor- the XK 120. The styling was improved with a revised grill, larger bumpers along with new rear lights which now incorporated the indicators. The handling was enhanced by rack and pinion steering and telescopic dampers. The interior space was improved allowing the addition of occasional rear seats. It was now a real tourer with plenty of power from the 3.4 twin overhead camshaft six cylinder engine, which had powered Jaguar to victory at Le Mans in '51 and '53. A 'Special Equipment' model could be ordered from the factory which came with chrome wire wheels and Lucas fog lights. With the option of the 'C' Type cylinder head, 210 bhp was now available and coupled to the Moss close ratio gearbox, it made the XK140 one of the fastest and most stylish modes of transport available. As only 843 right hand drive cars in total were made, it was very exclusive too.

We are informed by the vendor that this particular XK140 was repatriated to the UK in 1989 and subsequently restored by its then owner and used regularly until a change of ownership some ten years later. A complete "body off' restoration was again undertaken between 2005 to 2008 to prepare a "no expense spared' car for international rally use. MFF 689 bursts instantly into life and soon settles to an even tickover, the car surges forward with the slightest tap of the throttle, but is reported to remain manageable at all times, everything feels tight and well put together. The vendor informs us of a substantial competition upgrade package which includes a high performance engine mated to a manual gearbox with overdrive, uprated chassis, uprated braking system, improved cooling, uprated suspension, bespoke electrical installation plus all FIA rally requirements to make this one of the most exciting road/rally cars in existence and also boasts current FIA paperwork. With the additional power on tap we are told the brakes are more than up to the job of bringing things to a predictable halt.

The restoration is reported to have been carried out to a very high standard, the quality of the metalwork is very good with decent panel fit throughout. Internally is very well prepared and the layout of all instrumentation is both clear and secure, the speedometer currently reads just under 8000 miles. The vendor informs us that with the car comes seven history files outlining the full expenditure during and after restoration which make for sobering reading for anybody about to commission an XK140 for restoration and as such makes this particular example amazing value for money. Being a 1955 car there is no MOT certificate however there is tax until February of next year. This is surely an opportunity to acquire a most potent and competitive XK140 for a fraction of the expense that has been lavished on this beautiful car. All the hard work has been done, now it just needs to driven and enjoyed.