Lot 343: Jaguar XK140 Fixedhead Coupe

At the 1948 London Motor Show, Jaguar had virtually thrown the sports car world into turmoil with its stunning XK120; the combination of style, speed, an outstanding chassis and remarkably low price was unbeatable and, without doubt, the XK120 was an absolute milestone for both Jaguar and the motor industry as a whole. At the heart of the William Lyons-styled roadster was Jaguar's all-new 3,442cc, twin overhead camshaft, straight six engine producing 160bhp via twin SU carburettors - sufficient for 120mph and 0-60mph in 12 seconds. Fine roadholding was ensured by the independent torsion bar/wishbone front suspension and semi-elliptic leaf-sprung rear axle, together with all-round drum brakes. Succeeding the XK120 was the XK140 launched at the 1954 London Show. Visually similar but with a reshaped radiator grille with fewer, larger slats and 2+2 seating, thanks to engine and bulkhead being three inches further forward, a change which also realised almost 50/50 weight distribution, it remained mechanically the same but with suspension improved from lessons learnt on the race track. And now with 190bhp on tap, top speed rose to 110mph - or 129mph with optional overdrive and 210bhp special equipment engine - while the 0-60mph sprint dropped to 11 seconds. This highly accomplished XK140 was first converted for competition in preparation for the 2001 season when it and its builder, highly respected XK specialist Trevor Groom, made their racing debuts in the Jaguar XK Challenge. Having been chosen for its solid and rust-free chassis, SOM 231 was initially built to comply with the Challenge's Class A regulations for mildly modified cars, changes being limited to giving the XK140 a thorough going over and fitting all round disc brakes. Soon after, twin 2.0 inch SU carburettors replaced the original 1� inch items with the engine, which was mated to a standard four speed gearbox with overdrive, also benefiting from a stainless steel, straight through exhaust system plus an alloy water header tank and radiator complete with special cowling to improve airflow; later in the season a high compression cylinder head with 1� inch valves, polished and with improved porting, was also fitted. Front torsion bars and rear leaf springs remained standard but with the suspension reset to give as low a ride height as possible and fitted with Avo adjustable shock absorbers. Both Trevor's and SOM's prowess were demonstrated at their first wet race at Castle Combe where the duo finished second overall and set the fastest lap, followed by second overall in another wet race at Cadwell Park, despite competing against a full grid of modified Class B and fully modified Class C XKs, which together with other good results saw them finish second in class in the Challenge in only a first season of racing; not surprisingly, SOM was then the subject of a track test feature by Paul Chudecki in the February 2002 issue of Classic Jaguar World. It served as notice of what was to come and in 2002 Trevor steered SOM to overall victory in the XK Challenge. With further detail modifications, including adjustable torsion bars, a competition overdrive unit and 3.3:1 limited slip differential, and fitment of wire rather than disc wheels, the car moved up to Class B and won the category outright the following year, and it has been extensively raced since. Major events have included the Le Mans Classic in both 2004 and 2006 when it was the first XK in its category to take the flag; it has also competed successfully elsewhere in Europe, notably at Spa Francorchamps, Zandvoort, Croix and Phoeinix Park, as well as in other national and international events. Finished in dark metallic grey with red interior, this highly competitive Jaguar is presented in race-ready condition and it is supplied complete with FIA and HTP papers, photographs from the Le Mans Classic and Brands Hatch, V5C registration document and a MoT test certificate valid for one year. An historic racing Jaguar that can also be enjoyed on the road, this represents an opportunity to acquire a highly prepared and highly reliable competition XK140 that is both eligible and ideal for numerous historic racing and rallying events in Britain and Europe. An opportunity not to be missed.