Lot 039: 1955 JAGUAR XK140 SE DROPHEAD COUPE

Finished in Old English White with red leather upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its 3442cc engine, five-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Beginning life in June 1955 as a left-hand drive 'Special Equipment' Drophead Coupe (complete with C-type cylinder head, wire wheels, dual exhaust system and twin fog lights), 'TSK 491' was originally supplied via renowned New York importer, Max Hoffman. Repatriated some thirty-five years later, it is said to have undergone "a complete chassis up restoration completed in April 1992" before entering the current ownership during 1994. As well as usage on a variety of events / tours throughout the UK and Europe, the past twelve years have apparently seen the Jaguar both "maintained to an exceptionally high standard" and treated to "a number of sympathetic upgrades / improvements". Stated to total "in excess of ú45,000", this work has included the following: "54-spoke wire wheels, Avon Turbo-steel radial tyres, cylinder head converted for unleaded fuel, five-speed gearbox and diaphragm clutch, high performance starter motor, alternator negative earth conversion, custom built voltmeter to replace ammeter, Jaguar electronic ignition, Jaguar spin on/off oil filter, three core radiator, high capacity inboard electric fan, coolant expansion tank, custom built bucket seat backs, (originals retained with car), inertia reel seat belts, Brantz trip meter concealed in glove compartment, electronic fuel pump, electronic rev-counter clock movement and a custom built Mota-Lita steering wheel". Further benefiting from "a new fully lined black mohair hood", the XK is reported to "start easily and drive particularly well, with oil pressure to original specification, very little oil consumption and no overheating problems". Accompanied by no less than three history folders - the first detailing repairs / maintenance, the second chronicling the car's history (MOT certificates, tax discs, concours wins, related press articles) and the third containing model information (original sales brochures, price lists, colour charts, original / copy road test feature articles etc) - this wonderful XK140 is worthy of the closest inspection. A magnificent motorcar, it is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until July 2007 and historic class (free) road tax until February 2007.