Lot 232: 1955 Jaguar XK140 Fixedhead Coupe

The XK120 appeared in 1948 and created an immediate furore. Its bodywork was a new departure in sports car design and this, combined with a top speed of over 120mph and the unbelievably low basic price of £998, resulted in an immediate demand which simply could not be met. The original intent had been for limited production; however, this quickly became full scale. The majority of cars went for export with the North American market being insatiable. Competition successes are too numerous and well-known to need repetition here but they set the scene for the remarkable Le Mans victories later on. Production ceased in 1954, the new XK140 incorporating a number of worthwhile improvements including rack and pinion steering, a larger radiator, more powerful headlamps and better weight distribution due to a repositioned engine. The car in question was purchased in May 2003 from a Mr Roger Daniels of Frolsworth Leicestershire who used the car two tow his brace of MGA twin cam racing cars to the local circuits in the late 70's & 80's. Mr Daniels owned the car for a period of 18 years. Prior to this, the history can be traced from the original Buff Log book back to the first owner in 1955. From there in 1975 to Mr Kenneth Charles of Middleton Cheney on to Mr William Wooten from Middleton Cheney in Nov 1966. Two more owners in Middleton Cheney followed by Mr Charles Wentworth in Middlesex in 1966. The current vendor has restored the car with a specific purpose to maintain as much originality as possible starting off with the main B posts, sills and ancillary body repairs which were carried out professionally. The bonnet was chemically stripped and all the body was taken back to the original base coat which was sound and free from any micro porous moisture spots. The re-spray was carried out and matched to the correct ICI two pack paint formula supplied courtesy of Philip Porter, XK owners club magazine publisher.The engine is totally original and has a recorded mileage of 69,000 supported by MoT certificates dating back to1976 with a letter from the owner, Mr KF Charles in 1976, supporting the fact that the cylinder head casting has never been removed since new. Many of the interior components have been replaced including carpets, headlining, boot and side panel mats. The wood veneer was restored professional specifically to retain patina. All brightwork has been re-chromed by a professional polishing company and all new brake cylinders & rubbers have been replaced. The exhaust system is stainless steel and provides, as you would expect the appropriate exhaust accompaniment.