1955 Jaguar XK140 Drophead Coupé

• Delivered new in the UK
• Converted from right- to left-hand drive
• Fitted with factory option over-drive when new
• Recently restored to road specification

'The Jaguar XK140 is a very high-class machine that has more delightful qualities than almost any other car on the market. I have long ago given up wondering how they make them for the money; for sheer value there is nothing to compare with them in the high-performance field.' – John Bolster, Autosport.

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 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 overdrive became an option for the first time. Special Equipment (SE) cars 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 road-tests regularly recording top speed figures in excess of 120mph.

One of only 479 XK140 drophead coupés originally manufactured in right-hand drive configuration, this example was manufactured in June 1955 and delivered via Glovers of Ripon, Harrogate finished in Pearl Grey with French Grey hood and red interior trim. The car was retailed by Sherwood Brothers, Darlington and first owned by Aycliffe Laundry Ltd, Darlington. The original registration was 'XHN 860'. Its accompanying JDHT certificate confirms that the XK140 retains matching chassis and engine numbers.

The accompanying history file suggests that it was in Germany at some point during the 1990s and it would seem this is when it was converted to left-hand drive. The XK had been in the previous family's ownership since circa 2001 and was rebuilt in 2007 to 'historic rally' specification. There are bills on file for general mechanical work and servicing over the years, including work on the transmission undertaken by John Danby Racing totalling circa £30,000, while the engine was rebuilt by Scholar Engineering in 2003 at a cost of £3,150. Upgrades include disc brakes, power steering, pedal box and a five-speed gearbox, while the bumpers were removed.

'MSL 634' had FIVA papers dated May 2001 listing it as 'Class X3', and had taken part in numerous historic rallies including the Three Castles. The car was restored to original road going specification some years ago now and is presented in good condition, this well restored XK140 is offered with restoration invoices, a V5C registration document.