Jaguar XK140 SE Coupe

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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 superbly 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 1,966 were left-hand drive fixed-head coupes.

As its accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms, this particular XK140 was manufactured in July 1955 and despatched to Hoffman of New York the following month. Originally Pastel Blue with a red interior and manual overdrive gearbox, it is an SE model (Special Equipment), with the C-Type head and twin exhausts which boosted power to 210bhp. It still retains its original chassis and engine making it a 'matching numbers' machine.

Not much is known of the subsequent history of the car but a US Certificate of Title shows that by 1982 it was owned by one Craig Harper of Nashville, Tennessee. Imported back to the UK in October 1989 with all duties paid, it was shortly afterwards acquired by the vendor from RWHS Jaguars of Market Drayton at which point it was still in driveable condition with good oil pressure. Driven into a garage at the back of the vendor’s hardware shop in Wolverhampton, the car was started and moved occasionally to keep everything free but was never taken on the road.

As the years went by the shop was extended, blocking access to the garage, and when the vendor retired about three years ago a crane had to be hired to lift the Jaguar out of its resting place and over the roof of the shop to get it onto a transporter. The vendor remembers the whole episode in vivid detail as he was unfortunate enough to break his leg when the cradle used to hoist the car fell off the transporter and knocked him to the ground – ouch...

During its 23-year hibernation no work was ever done to the car which remains almost exactly as purchased although, sadly, vandals broke into the garage many years ago and stole a few minor items including the radio, the Jaguar steering wheel boss, the gear knob and the tell-tale lights from the tops of the front wings. Otherwise complete and with an engine that still turns easily, the car is being offered here as a straightforward restoration project.

With top examples now fetching well over £60,000, this exciting project should amply reward the work required to return it to its former glory and will no doubt keep someone pleasurably occupied over the coming winter months.