1955 Jaguar XK140 SE Roadster

Registration No: HSL 648
Chassis No: S811783DN
MOT: Exempt

• Previous racing history in both the VSCCA and in France by Jim Foley and Le Mans entrant Pierre Honegger
• Engine built by Carl ‘Tivvy’ Shenton, with further enhancements by VSE Engineering
• In current ownership the last 24 years

Launched at the 1954 Motor Show, the XK140 boasted the same bewitching styling as its forebear but allied it to a host of important mechanical improvements. Chief among these was the adoption of rack-and-pinion steering. Though, the fitment of telescopic shock absorbers (in place of the XK120's antiquated lever-arm dampers) also had a noticeably beneficial effect on handling / roadholding. With its engine and bulkhead repositioned three inches further forward, the new model enjoyed a notably roomier cabin. Available in 'standard', 'special equipment' or 'special equipment plus C-type cylinder head' guises, power and torque outputs ranged from 190bhp / 210lbft to 210bhp / 213lbft. Distinguished by one-piece bumpers and a simpler, more imposing radiator grille, the XK140 was among the fastest cars of its generation. Reputedly capable of over 130mph, it focused public consciousness on Jaguar's continued success at Le Mans (the Coventry marque winning the endurance classic in 1951, 1953, 1955, 1956 and 1957). In production for less than three years, just 3,354 XK140 Roadsters are thought to have left the Browns Lane factory.

Manufactured on 24 October 1955, this Jaguar XK140 OTS benefits from being a desirable Special Equipment specification car. Despatched to Hornbury of Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, the car was dressed in Maroon with Biscuit interior and featured a manual gearbox with overdrive. Between 1986 and 1994, the car was raced successfully in VSCCA events by Jim Foley, before being passed to Le Mans and World Endurance Championship entrant, as well as builder of the Mazda GTP, Pierre Honegger. Honegger would compete approximately once per year both in the VSCCA and in France in his ownership until the car was returned to the US, being lightly used as a road car for a short period, before being sold to the current owner in 1998.

Purchased from Retro Classics Ltd on 17 February 1999, ‘HSL 648’ was first registered in the UK on 09 December that year. Over the last 24 years, the car has resided as part of a private collection and has received both regular maintenance from the collection mechanic as required, with larger works entrusted to specialists. An older restoration, perhaps during its time racing, the car is presented in Old English White with contrasting Maroon leather interior. The engine was built by Carl ‘Tivvy’ Shenton, with the original crank shot-pressed and stress relieved, JE pistons and racing cams. Further specification included a Tilton racing clutch and master cylinder, aluminium radiator, aluminium oil cooler, John Miller tubular headers, Girling front disc brakes, 5-point racing harnesses and more.

Since this work, the car also benefited from extensive engine work with VSE Engineering in June 2005. This included an upgrade to ‘VS01’ specification, which comprised block liners, replacement camshaft, uprated water pump, electronic ignition, H8 Carburettors and more. There are further invoices in the history file that suggest the car may have been further uprated to VS02 specification, but without invoice. Included with the vehicle is a comprehensive history file, including FIVA identity cards, the Tennessee title, Heritage Trust Certificate, a significant collection of previous invoices and receipts spanning the current 24-year ownership, a collection of previous MOT certificates, literature on the car with previous advertisements, various photographs, further documentation and the current V5C document displays 0 former keepers. Overall, this surely presents an exciting opportunity to acquire a Jaguar XK140 with genuine motorsport pedigree.

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Hicks
andreas.hicks@handh.co.uk
07943584762