
Richard Stafford
Senior Specialist, Head of Research
LOT 57
Property of the estate of a gentleman driver 1956 Jaguar XK140 SE Coupé Registration no. 698 XVB Chassis no. A815317BW Engine no. G6918-8
Boasting extensive history and restoration provenance, this Jaguar XK140 SE Coupé was delivered new in March 1956 to the Charles Hornburg Jaguar dealership in Los Angeles, California, USA. Its accompanying Jaguar Heritage Certificate shows that '815317' was equipped with the optional Borg Warner automatic transmission and left the factory finished in cream with red-piped black interior. It is noted that the C-type cylinder head was not fitted. The car's history is very well documented in the owner and restorer-authored book From Georgia to Goodwood, and in folders that accompany the car. The restoration was also documented in XK Gazette magazine.
Found in a barn in Georgia, USA in the early 2000s, the Jaguar returned to the UK in June 2013 whereupon the late owner embarked on a detailed, chassis-upwards restoration. The XK's tan leather interior was restored by marque specialists Twyford Moors.
The engine was rebuilt in 2018, with the automatic gearbox, also rebuilt during its restoration, we are advised that the Jaguar performs as well now as it did when new. A new stainless steel twin-outlet exhaust is fitted and the car also has an electric radiator fan.
Other notable upgrades include alternator electrics and electronic ignition; variable electric power steering; custom-made alloy-rimmed chrome wire wheels with Jaguar wheel nuts; and disc brakes all round with new calipers and ventilated discs.
Kept in a heated garage with trickle battery charging, the XK has covered a mere 500-or-so miles since restoration. Indeed, in June 2019 it won the 'Best in Show' award at Nuneham Courtney Classic Car Show.
As mentioned above, there is a large folder of notes, bills, invoices, letters and information about the restoration, together with the US bill of sale and a Jaguar Heritage Certificate.
Finished in an attractive colour combination, this well documented XK140 SE would be a worthy addition to any collection of special Jaguars. It is a capable long-distance Gran Turismo, boasting a good size boot and with the convenience of rear seats.
















































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Senior Specialist, Head of Research

Head of UK Business Development, Motoring