1955 Jaguar XK140 Drophead Coupé

• One of only 479 right-hand drive XK140 dropheads
• Present ownership since 1964
• Never restored but carefully maintained
• Electronic ignition

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. The suspension and brakes remained much as before, though with stiffer torsion bars at the front and telescopic shock absorbers replacing the previous lever type at the rear. 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 latter adopted to withstand the cut and thrust of urban parking.
The power unit remained Jaguar's well-tried, 3.4-litre, twin-cam six, which now produced 190bhp in standard trim thanks to higher-lift camshafts and revised porting. To ensure reliability, steel bearing-caps replaced the previous cast-iron type. 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, '807283' was acquired by the current vendor, its sixth owner, on 24th February 1964. The car carries a Dumfriesshire registration and appears to have resided in Scotland its entire life. Our vendor has provided a detailed list of major works carried out during his ownership, dating back to April 1964 when safety belts were fitted by Cameron Toll Garage, Edinburgh. Between 1966 and 1968 the engine was removed and a top and bottom overhaul completed. The cylinder head was set up by Rossleigh of Edinburgh who were the Jaguar main agents. More recent renovation has included restoration of the body and a repaint (2000/2003); replacing the wiring loom (2004/2005); re-covering the hood (2004/2005); replacing the carpets (2005); replacing the fuel pump and fitting electronic ignition (2016); and renewing the clutch and overhauling the transmission, brakes and carburettors (2022). Related bills are on file. The vendor reports that the XK is in sound condition mechanically, its engine running well, and describes the interior as 'good but worn' and the paintwork as 'good, but some minor damage'. Accompanying documentation includes an old-style logbook, a current V5C document and the aforementioned bills.