1955 Jaguar XK140 SE 3.4 FHC

• An evolution of the XK120 with improved accommodation and rack-and-pinion steering
• Jaguar's sublime 3.4-litre, twin-cam six, which now produced 190bhp in standard trim thanks to high-lift camshafts and revised porting
• Right-hand drive, manual overdrive example with matching numbers and original panels
• Full photographic restoration, lots of fascinating history and a Heritage Certificate
• Originally a left-hand drive, US-car. In the UK since 1989 and owned by a Jaguar-enthusiast since 1999

Launched in 1954, the Jaguar XK140 was broadly similar to, though more refined than, its XK120 predecessor, major engineering changes being confined to the repositioning of the engine 3-inches further forward and the adoption of rack-and-pinion steering as used on the racing C-Type. The suspension and brakes remained much as before, though with stiffer torsion bars at the front and telescopic shock absorbers replacing the previous lever-type at the rear. Outwardly the newcomer was distinguishable by its revised radiator grille, rear lights incorporating flashing indicators, and larger bumpers - the latter adopted to withstand the cut and thrust of urban parking. The power unit remained Jaguar's well-tried, 3.4-litre, twin-cam six, which now produced 190bhp in standard trim thanks to higher-lift camshafts and revised porting.

The car presented here is a 1955 Jaguar XK140 SE 3.4-litre Fixed Head Coupe with a desirable manual gearbox, manufactured on the 25th November 1955 and despatched to acclaimed US Jaguar dealer 'Hornburg of Los Angeles' (established in 1947).

Fascinatingly, a much later owner of the car (and the person responsible for overseeing its complete restoration) in the 1990s, a Mr Ralph of Devon, contacted the wife of the original US owner (who in 1955 already owned an earlier XK120), a Mrs Phyllis Hobbs. There are letters in the history file explaining that Mr Hobbs purchased the car new from 'British Motor Sales' in San Diego, California. Mrs Hobbs explains that the car was put in her name (backed up by numerous original Automobile Registration Cards bearing both her name and the car's details from the 1960s & '70s) and sent to her in the Chicago area for a while before both returned to San Diego. In 1960, Mr Hobbs' work took him to Nebraska to supervise the missile bases being built there. The couple moved to Nebraska for two years, dutifully trailering their beloved XK140 with them behind their Oldsmobile! Upon their return to San Diego, the car was repainted red and joined by two E-Types and a Mk4 in the Hobbs' extensive garage! Charmingly, there are also copies of photos of the Hobbs with the XK140. By 1993, the Hobbs had sold all their classic Jaguars, except the XK120. Such priceless provenance!

As stated, the car returned to the UK in 1989 as a very complete, matching-numbers example (still with its Black with Red piping interior features). In need of much work, it was bestowed with the most thorough of fully documented restorations, ensuring all major components and panels stayed together. It was converted to RHD and returned to its original colour combination of Pearl Grey paintwork and Black with Red piped interior. Upon completion, the car won numerous Concours events held by Jaguar clubs - known for their exacting standards. In 1999, the XK was purchased by our Jaguar-enthusiast vendor, as he had known Mr Ralph and the quality of the car, and it has formed the basis of a small collection of best-of-breed Jaguars for the last 20 years. Maintained and stored with the utmost of care and attention, this impressive British sportscar is in fine fettle and ready to be enjoyed by a new owner.