1956 Jaguar XK140 Drophead Coupé

Registration no. TOH 399 Chassis no. 807374DN Engine no. G7195-8

Footnotes

Launched in 1954, the Jaguar XK140 was broadly similar to, though more refined than its sensational XK120 predecessor, major engineering changes being confined to the repositioning of the engine three inches further forward and the adoption of rack-and-pinion steering as used on the racing C-Type. Like its XK120 forbear, the XK140 was built in three model types: roadster, coupé and drophead coupé, the latter two offering usefully increased cabin space and occasional rear seats. Outwardly the newcomer was distinguishable by its revised radiator grille, rear lights incorporating flashing indicators, and larger bumpers.

The power unit remained Jaguar's well-tried, 3.4-litre, twin-cam six, which now produced 190bhp in standard trim. A close-ratio gearbox enabled better use to be made of the increased performance, and Laycock de Normanville overdrive became an option for the first time. Special Equipment XK140s came with wire wheels and Lucas fog lamps, and could be ordered with an engine developing 210bhp courtesy of the C-Type cylinder head. XK140 performance was well up to the standards set by its exemplary predecessor, contemporary magazine road-tests regularly recording top speed figures in excess of 120mph.

One of only 479 XK140 dropheads manufactured with right-hand drive, '807373DN' left the factory finished in Birch Grey with red leather interior and French Grey hood, destined for delivery to Broad Street Motors in Birmingham. This car has the desirable overdrive gearbox, and we are advised that only the cylinder head is non-matching. An MoT certificate issued in November 1974 records the mileage as 39,366, and the vendor advises us that there is documentary proof of the distance covered since that date (current total circa 51,500).

The current vendor purchased the XK on 14th June 1996 as a runner in need of full restoration (sales invoice on file). He immediately sent it to marque specialists Fullbridge Restoration Co Ltd of Maldon, Essex for a full rebuild, which was completed in April 1998. Since then the car has won many awards for the work's outstanding quality (all invoices available). It has also been entered into the Champion of Champions concours at the NEC, Birmingham but, unfortunately, was unable to attend. More recently, in March 2021, the Jaguar was treated to a full makeover at Greencats, including four new tyres (invoice on file). Described by the private vendor as fully documented and in good condition, the car is offered with an old-style continuation logbook, JDHT Certificate, current V5C document, and the aforementioned invoices and photographic record of the restoration.