Jaguar XK140 DHC RHD 1955 – SOLD

This Jaguar XK140 drophead coupe is an original UK market, right-hand drive car. It was first sold in March 1955 through the now legendary Coombs of Guildford in Surrey to a J A C Gaye of West Horsley in Surrey. The original engine was changed by Jaguar in September 1955 from G2760-8 to G5308-8 and it is believed this was done under warranty. The car’s history file includes the green continuation log book and some correspondence which traces some of the car’s history. The car was originally registered WPK33 but by 1960 had been reregistered with 600PPA. By 1964 the car had found its way to Truro, Cornwall and was owned by a Mr Norman Barnfield. From there it appears to have stayed in Cornwall for a few decades passing through the hands of a Mr Roy Hurst in Newport, Mr Geoffrey Eddy in Wadebridge, Mr John Lamb and then to Mr Gerald Bennetts of Truro. By this point, the car was off the road and in need of restoration.

In 2010 the car was purchased by the current owner and a full nut and bolt restoration was started here at Twyford Moors. No stone was left unturned during the full body off restoration and the opportunity was taken to extensively upgrade the car at this time. The chassis was stripped back to bare metal and painted before being built up with powder-coated suspension components. The body had all traces of rust removed and was extensively repaired before being sprayed inside and out in its stunning Gunmetal Grey finish. Once finally assembled the car was Waxoyled to give long-lasting protection. A photographic record of the restoration work is included in the history file.

Mechanically the car has been tastefully upgraded to retain an original look whilst providing enhanced performance. The original engine has been fully rebuilt to a fast road specification with all components carefully lightened and balanced. This has been mated to a five-speed gearbox. The suspension has been improved with polyurethane bushes, upgraded antiroll bar and adjustable shock absorbers. The front brakes have been improved with XK150 discs and four-pot aluminium callipers. To improve reliability, the car has an alternator, modern fuel pump, electronic ignition and an electric cooling fan. Finally, a number of well-considered creature comforts have been added including heated seats, electric power steering, upgraded wipers motor with a single sweep switch and electric washers.

To drive this XK140 is nothing short of sublime. Its stability and comfort inspire real confidence whether cruising on the motorway or winding through country roads. The car is comfortable and refined in a way few 1950s sportscars can achieve. When required there is plenty of power available from the 3.4-litre XK engine with low-down torque in great abundance. This power is delivered smoothly and with a minimum of fuss allowing the drives to slip through the gears with ease.

Since restoration, the car has been cared for exceptionally well. Despite having been used for touring and events by the current owner and becoming a well-known car on the club scene it remains in near-perfect cosmetic condition. It has been regularly maintained to a very high standard and that shows in every aspect of the car. The current owner has also successfully reunited the car with its original Surrey number plate of WPK33. This XK140 really ticks all the boxes.

SOLD