Jaguar XK140SE FHC

The XK140 made its debut at the 1954 Motorshow, managing to retain the fabulous lines of its predecessor, whilst also becoming more useable and refined in the process.

Part of this was achieved by moving the scuttle and engine forwards by about 3”, giving a major gain to interior space without upsetting the predictable handling which had served the outgoing model so well, thanks largely to the new rack-and-pinion steering and telescopic shock absorbers. Mechanically it was little changed, except that a close-ratio set of gears were supplied, along with a Special Equipment option which used a C-Type head to boost power from an already healthy 190bhp to 210bhp. Performance was guaranteed.

The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate shows that this car was despatched from the factory on 18 November 1955. Originally painted black and fitted with red trim, it was built as a left-hand drive with overdrive and sent to Richies in Ontario in December 1955. It was specified as a Special Equipment model with twin fog lamps, wire wheels, twin exhausts and C-Type head.

The FIA papers and RAC competition log book which accompany the car indicate that its first owner was Larry Foster Snr. who owned it and used it in events in North America from 1956 – 1960, including at Mount Washington and Floyd Bennet Field (where it notched up class wins in 1956 and ’57). It was also prepared for the 1955 Carrera Pan-American; however the event was cancelled so it never got the chance to compete in this.

Repatriated back to the UK in December 1993 and converted to right-hand drive, it ended up in the hands of well known Jaguar preparer, Tim Kemp, who used it for competition, fitting a foam-filled tank and roll cage. It also had power steering fitted.

The vendor purchased it in 2008 with the intention of competing himself, however time got away from him and other than run it up and down the road it has not seen any serious use in his ownership. The car needs some TLC to bring it back to competitive condition, although the vendor advises us that he believes the engine to have been rebuilt by Tim Kemp prior to him acquiring the vehicle and that it runs and drives well. He removed the doors to repair the lower sections, a job which he has not yet completed and advises us that it comes with a spare set of wire wheels.

With XK140s being eligible for so many competitive events, including Le Mans Classic, this Special Equipment model looks to be a interesting way of joining in the fun at a relatively modest cost.