Lot 450: 1955 Jaguar XK 140 Drophead Coupe

The XK120 set new standards in car design and manufacture, but some of Jaguar's suppliers needed time to catch up - they were not used to making lights and brakes for 120+ mph cars. It is to Jaguar's credit that it ran a development programme which continued to within months of the last XK150. When the XK140 was announced in 1954, it was essentially a Mk II version. It retained the excellent dynamics of the XK120 and its superb level of appointment and attention to detail. Engine power increased to 190bhp, there were stiffer torsion bars and improved lights, cooling, brakes and steering. The main improvement however, was moving the engine and scuttle three inches forward which gave better handling and improved cockpit space without compromising the car's stunning lines. On the coups models there were additional seats for children but, nice touch, the back squabs were detachable so that an adult could use the space seated across the car. The entire range abounded with clever details such as that - the XK series is one of the few which truly merit the term 'great'. Of the three variants the factory offered, the drophead coup was the least common and just 2,789 were made. With its permanently attached hood (the frame is a minor masterpiece) and wind-up windows, it is an ideal compromise between the more sparsely equipped roadster and the fixed-head coup. All three models were outstanding, however, and only the most expensive exotica could match them either under real driving conditions or for kerbside presence. Taking into account reliability, refinement and sheer pleasure of driving, the XK140 was one of the outstanding cars of its day and it remains one of the greatest classic cars. This is a matching numbers right hand drive drop head coupe, one of only 479 made and is complete with heritage certificate proving this. It is described as being in good condition and is MoT'd until the 6th August 2006, while the Road Fund Licence expires in July 2006. The car's folder also includes its V5 registration document, workshop bills and old MoTs. It has benefited from an engine rebuild, five speed gearbox, front disc brake and servo conversion, etc, with all this work carried out in 2000/1 by a specialist Jaguar garage. The original Moss box however, is included in the sale, enabling a future owner to reconvert the car back to original spec. The driving experience is excellent as the majority of work over the years has been geared towards this aspect. With power in plentiful supply and improved braking and gearing setup, the Jaguar experience produced by YMA 826 is felt in all its visceral fullness.