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Jaguar XK140 FHC

Jaguar XK140 FHCJaguar XK140 FHCJaguar XK140 FHCJaguar XK140 FHCJaguar XK140 FHC
Jaguar XK140 FHCJaguar XK140 FHCJaguar XK140 FHCJaguar XK140 FHCJaguar XK140 FHC
Lot number 108
Hammer value £52,000
Description Jaguar XK140 FHC
Registration RLX 345
Year 1955
Colour Metallic Caviar
Engine size 3,442 cc
Chassis No. 804290
Engine No. G4300-8

Launched at the 1954 London Motor Show as the successor to the sensational XK120 which had appeared in 1948, the XK140 was broadly similar to the outgoing model but considerably more refined with a host of mechanical improvements.

Under the bonnet the XK140 retained Jaguar's well-proven 3.4-litre twin-cam six, which now produced 190bhp in standard trim thanks to higher-lift camshafts and revised porting – up 30bhp from the standard XK120 and now capable of 140mph (hence the name). A close-ratio gearbox enabled better use to be made of the increased performance, as did stiffer torsion bars on the front suspension and new telescopic shock absorbers to the rear. Steering was also improved with the adoption of the rack-and-pinion set up from the Le Mans-winning C-Type racer.

The luxuriously trimmed cabin was also notably roomier as the engine and bulkhead were now three inches further forward, a modification which also improved weight distribution and handling. External changes were limited to a wider radiator grille, rear lights incorporating flashing indicators, and larger bumpers front and rear.

Three body styles were offered, fixed-head, roadster and drop-head. A total of 8,956 XK140s were made before it was replaced by the larger XK150 in 1957, of which just 738 were home market right-hand drive fixed-head coupes.

This particular XK140 is one of those 738 machines and was first registered in London in July 1955. As you can probably tell from the photographs, this is a truly stunning example which has recently emerged from a total nut-and-bolt restoration which took some two years to complete (2011-12) and ultimately cost around £100,000 with a vast pile of bills to prove.

During the restoration the car was repainted in Jaguar Caviar Metallic, a very dark red which gives it an almost menacing air that is accentuated by the body-colour painted wire wheels (although a new set of chrome wire wheels can be substituted should the new owner prefer). A desirable overdrive gearbox model, it also has a louvred bonnet for more efficient cooling and has been fitted with front disc brakes for enhanced stopping power.

The 3.4-litre engine has been totally rebuilt and detailed, with an SE-spec twin exhaust system for improved breathing and a throatier soundtrack. The interior has been fully retrimed in cream leather with refurbished woodwork and new beige carpets. All the glasswork has been replaced and a discreet i-Pod connection is fitted behind the dash.

Since the restoration was completed the car has only covered a couple of hundred miles and is barely run in. Supplied with a large history file, a choice of wire wheels and a Heritage Certificate confirming its origins, this fabulous motorcar is being offered here at a fraction of the costs lavished on it to date.
 

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