Jaguar XK140 SE FHC RHD 1956 – For Sale

This Jaguar XK140 fixedhead coupé is an original right-hand drive car and a rare Special Equipment model, featuring the desirable C-Type cylinder head. Built in late 1956, it was dispatched to Gilman & Co. of Hong Kong and sold in early 1957 to Alfredo Victor Jorge Alvarez of Deep Water Bay, Hong Kong. Mr Alvarez appears to have been an architect of Portuguese descent, residing in this extremely wealthy and desirable part of Hong Kong.

This XK140 was a special order from Jaguar and had a rather unusual specification from new. Due to the high humidity in Hong Kong, wire wheels were not particularly popular, so this car was unusually fitted with steel wheels and spats from new, despite being an SE model. It was also specified with a close-ratio, non-overdrive gearbox, which is very unusual for an SE car.

Originally finished in Suede Green with a Tan interior, this XK140 has just undergone a full nut-and-bolt restoration and is now finished in a very similar shade of metallic green.

The car's history is particularly well documented, as it features in the book The Jaguar XK140 in the Southern Hemisphere by John Elmgreen and Terry McGrath. In 1971, the car was purchased by a Mr Morrison of Kowloon, but was quickly sold on in 1972 to a Mr Cammerata of Repulse Bay. In 1975, the car ended up in the joint ownership of Mr J Turner and M Godfrey.

It appears to have been taken off the road for restoration in 1977, although the extent of the work carried out at this time is unclear. In 1980, the car was sold to Mr N Walker of Sai Kung, at which time it is thought to have been the only XK140 FHC remaining in Hong Kong. It appears to have still been in unrestored condition at this time and was alongside an E-Type restoration project.

The car was subsequently acquired by M Ford, who sold it on in 1986. By 1994, the car was owned by Mr A Smith, by which time it was back on the road and drivable. Mr Smith then imported the car back into the UK in 1998. The car was subsequently sold to the current owner, who commissioned a full nut-and-bolt restoration.

Today, this XK140 looks absolutely stunning. The restoration has only just been completed and the car has been commissioned for the road, with very few miles covered since completion. As such, this XK140 FHC remains in pristine condition.

It is rare these days for this level of attention and investment to be lavished on a fixedhead coupé, making this a particularly special car. Being an original right-hand drive car, a genuine SE specification model and featuring a C-Type cylinder head, it represents a truly exceptional example of the XK140.
The car remains in largely standard condition, with the exception of a front disc brake upgrade and the sensible addition of an overdrive to the original close-ratio gearbox.

£POA