Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 111
1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Drophead Coupe Chassis no. S817559DN Engine no. G3144-8S
Sold for US$103,600 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 111
1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Drophead Coupe
1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Drophead Coupe
Chassis no. S817559DN
Engine no. G3144-8S
Chassis no. S817559DN
Engine no. G3144-8S
3,442cc DOHC Inline 6 Cylinder Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
210bhp at 5,750rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive
Independent Front Suspension, Live Rear Axle
Front Disc Brakes, Rear Drum Brakes
*Rare Drophead Coupe body, ideal for all-season touring
*Sympathetically restored by specialists JD Classics
*Finished in its original body color of Pearl Grey
*Desirable Special Equipment option with Laycock Overdrive
*High-performance C-Type cylinder head
*Retains numbers-matching engine and head
*Reportedly in long-term ownership from 1956-2009
*Accompanied by JDHT Certificate, handbook, and restoration records
THE JAGUAR XK140
Upon its debut in 1949, Jaguar's sensational XK120 set new standards for performance and style at a remarkably affordable price point. The follow-up to the 120, dubbed the XK140, arrived in 1954 aiming to address shortcomings expressed by customers of the early models.
The XK140 gained rack and pinion steering, improved braking through revised hydraulics, telescopic dampers, and increased suspension travel. Engineers moved the engine forward in the chassis to increase passenger space. Of course, it retained the outstanding XK inline six-cylinder engine with twin overhead cams. Displacement remained the same at 3.4-litres, but power increased as engineers used the high-lift cams from the XK120 SE in the standard XK140.
Those cars equipped with the Special Equipment option (known as "MC" in the US market) featured wire wheels, front disc brakes, dual exhaust, and the straight-port C-Type cylinder head to give 210 horsepower. The svelte, feline proportions of the XK120 carried over, but were subtly freshened with full-width bumpers, a slightly wider grille, and additional chrome trim on the bonnet and boot lid. Jaguar's evolution over revolution approach to the XK140 resulted in a superb driver's car that took the XK formula to the next level, with improved refinement and gutsy performance that Jaguar enthusiasts know and love today.
THE CAR OFFERED
Looking lovely in its original shade of Pearl Grey with a French Grey hood per the accompanying JDHT Certificate, this 1955 XK140 is a rare Drophead Coupe variant, complete with the desirable high-performance "Special Equipment" option, free-breathing C-Type cylinder head and Laycock de Normanville overdrive. This car is reported to have been in long-term care with one Oregon-based owner from 1956-2009 and was a largely original, unrestored car when that owner sold it. After changing hands, it was sent to the UK in 2015, into the care of marque specialists JD Classics, who performed a sympathetic cosmetic restoration including refinishing the car in its original paint color accented with a gorgeous red interior. It has since returned to the USA and has been in the care of collectors who have continued to maintain it in fine condition.
Of all the XK140 variants, the Drophead Coupe is perhaps the most versatile, offering weathertight coupe-like luxury and spacious accommodations with the benefit of a folding hood when the sun starts to shine. This car brings an additional welcome boost in performance thanks to its factory-fitted C-Type head, front disc brakes, and electric overdrive. The Heritage Certificate confirms the original, numbers-matching block and head are in place, and the sale will also include restoration records from JD Classics, prior ownership documents, a FIVA Passport (issued in 2015), original jack, hammer, and a reproduction owner's handbook.
Rich with character, this marvelous XK140 DHC is the ideal candidate to savor on any number of touring events or high-speed rallies.
Additional information
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