
Tim Schofield
Head of UK Business Development, Motoring
LOT 350
1955 Jaguar XK140 FIA Competition Coupé Registration no. SOM 213 Chassis no. 804394 Engine no. 7B 9411-8
Newly introduced for 1955, 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 3" further forward and the adoption of rack-and-pinion steering. The suspension and brakes remained much as before, though with stiffer torsion bars at the front and telescopic shock absorbers replacing lever type at the rear. 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. A close-ratio gearbox enabled better use to be made of the increased performance and overdrive became an option for the first time.
This Jaguar XK140 coupé was converted for competition by Trevor Groom, a highly respected XK specialist, in 2001. Modifications include: 2" SU carburettors; high-compression cylinder head (polished and ported with 1¾" valves); straight-through stainless steel exhaust system; alloy header tank and radiator; four-speed gearbox with overdrive; AVO adjustable shock absorbers; adjustable torsion bars; oil cooler; hydraulic power steering and limited slip differential. In addition, the car has a roll cage; internal fire extinguisher system; bucket seats; and two four-point harness seat belts. Trevor Groom had purchased the XK in January 2001, and it is assumed that he converted the car that year as he raced it in 2002 through to 2007.
This car successfully competed in the Classic Le Mans in 2004 and 2006 and won the XK Challenge in 2002 as well as appearing in many other national and international events. In 2002 the car was track tested by Paul Chudeki for Classic Jaguar World Magzine after its victorious 2002 XK Challenge campaign. The current vendor purchased the car in May 2019. The HTP was issued on the 02/02/2016 and is valid until the 31/12/2026. After being stored for nearly 10 years the car was re-sprayed in 2019. During the last three years a number of niggling mechanical issues have been dealt with by a local Jaguar specialist. These have included fitting a manual choke; reconnecting the fuel gauge; fitting a voltmeter in place of the ammeter; fitting new adjusters to all brakes; re-shimming the drums; overhauling the gearbox linkage; tidying up the wiring in the engine bay; repairing the door locks; re-hanging of doors; rebuilding the boot locking mechanism; and fitting door mirrors.
Finished in grey with red leather interior, the car is described as in good condition in all respects and offered with a UK V5C Registration Certificate and current HTP's.
































































































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Head of UK Business Development, Motoring

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